Education and employment of women in science, technology and the digital economy, including AI and its influence on gender equality

Abstract:

This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the FEMM Committee, provides evidence that there is still gender bias and inequality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields and the digital sector (e.g., digital technologies, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information and Communication Technology, Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity).

This document, prepared at the request of the FEMM Committee (Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs, Directorate-General for Internal Policies), is intended to provide an up-to-date literature review on the current status of women’s education and employment in STEM fields and the digital sector. In so doing, the corresponding trajectories are examined, from the primary education level up to the employment level, in an attempt to identify obstacles and bottlenecks that prevent gender parity. Finally, suggestions for future research, initiatives and policies that would improve women’s participation in these areas are made.