The Development Gateway Knowledge Economy community has a new highlight on women's participation in science and technology:
"Over the last two decades the number of young women adopting Sciences and Technology as fields of study has been dropping in the US and OCED countries. Sciences and Technology education is the foundation for all applied engineering sciences: civil, electrical, computer, mechanical, telecoms, water, roads, power, etc.....
"Overall the mismatch between demand and supply of qualified workforce has to be addressed both globally and locally, at each country level, with relevant policies, strategies and action plans. The problem of women's participation in that universe is particularly acute as women do not seem to adopt such field of studies because of a non-supporting environment and a lack of incentives, funding, and role models. Even when women adopt such a carrier, barriers haunt them along the way, at the research, promotion, patent and career development stages. How to overcome the male dominated culture prevailing in ICT education and occupation; and enable women professional to reach their full potential? Are women themselves part of the problem? What can the World Bank within higher education reform to include and engender ICT curricula?"
The highlight was contributed by a friend and colleague, Samia Melhem from the World Bank.
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