Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Careers in STEM Subjects: Women and Girls

Wednesday 13 July 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The increasing number of women in STEM has been beneficial to the country.
  • Around 42% of undergraduate STEM students in the UK are women.
  • There has been a 31% increase in girls studying STEM subjects since 2010.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Science & Technology Women & Equalities
Context

The question aims to address the underrepresentation of women and ethnic minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It highlights the need for diversity in these areas.

Question

What recent steps have been taken to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in STEM subjects?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

The increasing number of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics has been a huge asset to our country. Look at Sarah Gilbert, creator of the covid vaccine. Around 35% of the wage gap can be overcome if we get more women into high paid occupations, and that is exactly what we are working on.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to encourage women and girls in STEM were not clearly detailed

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Q2 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Science & Technology Women & Equalities
Context

The question addresses the lack of diversity among researchers, particularly female and ethnic minority groups, who receive fewer programme awards compared to their white and male colleagues. This disparity affects creativity and innovation.

Question

Lack of diversity in science academia is an obstacle that must be overcome to maximise creativity and scientific innovation. Among the findings on diversity data and grant funding from Cancer Research UK was the fact that female and ethnic minority researchers hold fewer programme awards than their white and male colleagues. How can the Government level the playing field for women and ethnic minorities who are applying for research grants in those essential areas?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I am pleased to say that we are now seeing more women enter undergraduate courses in universities: 42% of undergraduate STEM students in the United Kingdom are women. What we need to do is open up all those research opportunities—those more senior opportunities—in our universities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for grant funding were not detailed

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Q3 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Science & Technology Women & Equalities
Context

The question highlights the positive trend of young women studying STEM subjects but notes a decline when it comes to well-paid jobs. It aims to understand what is being done to ensure these individuals transition into successful career paths.

Question

The good news, of course, is that young women are taking up and studying STEM subjects, but there is a drop-off when it comes to those people going into good, well-paid jobs. What more can my right hon. Friend do to make sure that people not only continue their STEM studies, but continue into good careers?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that girls and women are moving through the STEM pipeline. There has been a 31% increase in girls studying STEM subjects since 2010, and more employers are opening up opportunities around the country. We have the STEM boot camps to help people mid-career with STEM training.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions beyond increasing study rates were not detailed

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