Girls Continue to Shy Away from Maths and Science Study

An international study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has found that girls are opting out of science and maths study, with a quarter of female students choosing not to study the fields in their senior years of school.The report also found that less than five per cent of girls consider a career in science, technology, engineering or maths, compared to 20 per cent of boys.

Despite the difference in students choosing to study or pursue a career in these subjects, the report found that across the 67 countries that participated in the study, the average gender difference in science was only one per cent. The report also found that girls tend to have less self-confidence than boys with their ability to solve science or maths problems, with a greater number of girls expressing strong feelings of anxiety towards maths. In terms of tertiary study, only 14 per cent of women studying at university for the first time chose to study science-related fields, compared to 39 per cent of men.

See Early gender gaps drive career choices and employment opportunities, says OECD for more information.