IDB-funded study shows gender discrimination against female students in STEM

Published by BBNTEAM at April 25, 2023

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Posted: Tuesday, April 25, 2023. 9:58 am CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) met on Monday to discuss the IDB-funded study entitled “Skills to Shape the Future: Employability in Belize.”

The objective of the study is to highlight the changing landscape of Belize’s economy and the challenges and opportunities present.

The research showed that female students are at a disadvantage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Emma Naslund-Hadley, Lead Education Specialist for IDB, stated, “The analysis of the study shows that many women who are trained in the exact sciences do not work in their fields of study. In fact, they are something of an untapped resource for economic growth, particularly given Belize’s increasing need for an educated workforce and women constituting two-thirds of people with a higher education attainment.”

In addition, survey results among teachers showed that 44% believed that there is gender discrimination and/or stereotypes against female students in STEM education and training.

Among female employers, 40% also believe that there is some differential treatment of women in STEM education and training.

The Government of Belize has committed to continue to work hand in hand with IDB to further understand why these challenges exist and their implications and seek opportunities to close those skills gaps.

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