Tech: Why Belgium struggles to attract women to scientific professions
While the technology sector is expanding rapidly, Belgium is facing a major challenge: the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Unlike other regions of the world, the country is struggling to achieve true parity in these areas, which are crucial for the economy of tomorrow.
Recent data reveal a striking contrast with certain emerging countries. For example, Morocco currently stands out as one of the world leaders in terms of the proportion of female engineers. In that country, as well as in several Asian nations, the rates of female representation in technical studies reach impressive levels, sometimes exceeding 60%.
In Belgium, the situation is different. Despite numerous initiatives to encourage young girls to pursue sciences starting in secondary school, the number of female graduates remains insufficient to meet the needs of companies. Experts point out that cultural stereotypes and a lack of female role models in the Belgian technology sector continue to dampen students' interest in these careers.
To bridge this gap, stakeholders in the Belgian technology sector are considering new strategies. The goal is to inspire future generations by better highlighting female scientific career paths and creating a more inclusive work environment. This is a strategic issue for ensuring Belgium's innovation and competitiveness on the international stage.