Stereotyping of Women in STEM Disciplines.

Abstract

In the 21st century, STEM-related fields are increasingly dynamic and economically powerful on a global scale. However, the incorporation of women into this field is not advancing at the same pace. According to UNESCO, only 35% of individuals enrolled in STEM programs worldwide are women, a figure that has remained stagnant over the past decade. In Colombia, women account for 32% of the total students enrolled in STEM programs. In technology, only one in every four professional enrollment positions is held by a woman. This article analyzes how gender constructions operate as structural barriers in the STEM-ICT labor market, drawing on recent data from international agencies and Colombian entities. The study examines the psychosocial factors that inhibit women's persistence in these career paths, as well as the wage gap within the technology ecosystem, and the economic consequences that low diversity generates for organizations.