Republic of Mauritius- Less women opt for STEM at secondary and tertiary education level, MRC study reveals

The findings of the study were presented, yesterday, during a half-day workshop, at the seat of the MRC in Ebène. The event was organised by the MRC in the context of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrated annually on 11th February. The Chairman of MRC, Dr M. Atchia, the High Commissioner of Australia in Mauritius, Mrs Jenny Dee and other personalities were present at the event.  The resource persons were the Research Coordinator of MRC, Dr M. Madhou, and President of Organisation of Women in Science in the Developing World (OWSD) Mauritius Chapter, Dr D. Saddul.

The study indicates that less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women and in Mauritius only 15% of women reach out to the MRC to benefit from the schemes put in place for conducting researchers.  It covers the period 2013-2018 and analyses the involvement of girls and women in STEM from secondary education to tertiary education as well as their participation and success rates in Research and Development at professional level. The findings also identify gender variations in career/professional aspirations of STEM students and obstacles met by women pursuing STEM doctoral studies.

According to High Commissioner Dee, STEM literacy is increasingly becoming part of the core capabilities that employers need, no matter what the sector of employment. Women can make a significant difference to the betterment of the economy as well as the society as they represent around 50 per cent of a nation’s population. A nation that does not harness and utilise the talents, skills, perspectives, insights and intelligence of its population will never reach its full potential, she said.

She further added that STEM is not just about equity, but it is about proven economic sense.  She encouraged female students to break down gender barriers and to opt for STEM subjects at the secondary and tertiary level.

On that occasion, a presentation was made on the OWSD Mauritius Chapter. It aims to support actions for science promotion among women, youth and the community at large in Mauritius. The OWSD, founded in 1987, is the first international forum to unite eminent women scientists from the developing and developed worlds with the objective of strengthening their role in the development process and promoting their representation in scientific and technological leadership. OWSD provides research training, career development and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.