The report “Women in STEM in the EU: How to close the gender gap” explains that women remain under-represented in STEM across education, research and employment in the EU. Although many girls perform well in maths and science, fewer choose STEM studies and careers, especially in ICT and engineering, where women represent just over 21% of graduates.

The gap continues in the labour market: women make up only 22% of scientists and engineers in high-technology sectors, and less than 20% of ICT workers on average in the EU. The report links this to gender stereotypes, lack of role models, lower confidence in maths, gender-insensitive teaching, caring duties, bias, and unfriendly work environments.

To close the gap, the report calls for gender-sensitive education, mentoring, stronger role models, better career guidance, safer workplaces, work-life balance, and more support for women in innovation and entrepreneurship. It also outlines EU actions such as the STEM education strategic plan, Horizon Europe gender equality plans, Girls go STEM, Women TechEU, and related European Parliament calls for stronger action