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Let's empower Austria - Why and to what extent women are leaving the STEM field

In its latest study, “Watch Out for Drop-Out!”, LEA (Let’s Empower Austria) examined the question: “Why and to what extent do women leave the STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)?” The study focuses on dropout rates throughout educational and professional careers, their causes, and key areas for action.

In its latest study, “Watch Out for Drop-Out!”, LEA (Let’s Empower Austria) examined the question: “Why and to what extent do women leave the STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)?” The study focuses on dropout rates throughout educational and professional careers, their causes, and key areas for action.

Here is an overview of the study’s findings:

  • The highest dropout rate occurs between STEM-focused upper secondary school and STEM university studies: 85% of women do not continue their education.
  • Only 15% of women (men: 33%) begin a STEM university program after completing a STEM-focused upper secondary school; 3% complete it.
  • Significant gender gap in the workforce: Only 31% of women with STEM education work in STEM fields (men: 57%).
  • Women are more than twice as likely to leave their STEM profession.

Causes:

  • During education: high stress, unequal treatment, negative social environment, doubts about one’s own competence.
  • In the workplace: unfavorable working conditions, lack of development opportunities, and male-dominated corporate cultures.

Conclusion:
Improved access to STEM is not enough—structural changes are crucial to retaining women in the STEM sector in the long run.

 

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