She earned a PhD in Computer Science with a specialisation in Radio Resource Management by implementing the Machine Learning Techniques for 5G Networks. Active in academia since 2010, Dr Farhan has consistently taught in the field of Computer Science and has made significant research contributions, publishing in esteemed journals and presenting at international conferences.
Ravensbourne University London is one of the most dynamic media, design, business, and computing institutions in the UK. Located next to London’s Design District on the Greenwich Peninsula, we have a vibrant and diverse community of approximately 4,500 students at foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate level.
Their students benefit from world-class facilities and learn from some of the most insightful and inspiring minds in the creative and digital industries. Driven by industry standards and supported by the latest high-performance technology, they produce highly employable and enterprising graduates. They are the top-ranked specialist university for graduate salaries in creative art and design and have a strong track record when it comes to business creation. Alongside their student community, Ravensbourne University London has hosted more than 100 creative technology businesses through their Incubation unit, from award-winning production companies and digital agencies to internationally recognised fashion labels.
I grew up in a family where my passion for mathematics and computer science was encouraged and appreciated by the responsible elders around me.
Unfortunately, the wider environment and culture I belonged to were not like this for every girl in that era, and, sadly, the situation has not changed much today.
From a very young age, many girls struggle to pursue their interest in STEM, as it is still often considered a male-dominated field in our society.
According to recent research conducted in 2025, despite global technological progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM. They make up only one-third of researchers worldwide, with even fewer in leadership roles. This gender gap begins early, shaped by stereotypes, socio-cultural norms, and the lack of female role models. These barriers lower self-confidence and reduce interest among girls.
Further research also highlights how teaching methods, hidden curricula, and biases contribute to the continuation of these disparities. Many of the women I have met who are successfully pursuing careers in STEM have had to overcome immense hardships to reach their current positions. Such resilience and patience are not easy to sustain, and not every girl is able to endure these challenges.
The underrepresentation of women in STEM and other professional fields limits their access to high-paying, technology-driven careers and reduces the overall diversity in technology and innovation. The absence of female role models reinforces the stereotype that STEM is a male domain, discouraging girls from following these paths. As a result, large pools of talent remain untapped, diminishing the potential for scientific and technological breakthroughs. Evidence shows that gender-diverse teams work more effectively than all-male ones; therefore, gender inequality does not only hold women back, but it also slows progress and stifles innovation across industries.
To address this, governments, educational institutions, and society must take comprehensive, multi-level action. Strategies should include engaging girls in STEM at an early age by introducing them to science and technology through interactive activities, role-playing with female scientists, and employing gender-sensitive teaching methods. Supporting women through mentorship and visible female role models is essential, alongside financial support such as scholarships and initiatives like the UK’s Women in STEM scholarships.
To retain women in STEM leadership roles, flexible work policies and remote working options should also be encouraged. At the same time, stereotypes must be challenged through social media campaigns and community projects to normalise women’s presence in the tech sector. Encouragingly, some countries, including the UK, have already launched targeted initiatives to attract and retain women in STEM through motivational programmes, flexible work arrangements, and leadership opportunities.
Ultimately, addressing gender inequality in STEM is a matter of fairness as well as necessity. Creating inclusive pathways, dismantling stereotypes and supporting women at every stage of their STEM journey will ensure that future generations of girls can pursue these fields freely and equally.
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Impact of gender inequality in STEM and its countermeasure
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Dr. Naureen Farhan is the Course Leader for Creative Computing at Ravensbourne University London, within the Department of Computing.
She earned a PhD in Computer Science with a specialisation in Radio Resource Management by implementing the Machine Learning Techniques for 5G Networks. Active in academia since 2010, Dr Farhan has consistently taught in the field of Computer Science and has made significant research contributions, publishing in esteemed journals and presenting at international conferences.
Ravensbourne University London is one of the most dynamic media, design, business, and computing institutions in the UK. Located next to London’s Design District on the Greenwich Peninsula, we have a vibrant and diverse community of approximately 4,500 students at foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate level.
Their students benefit from world-class facilities and learn from some of the most insightful and inspiring minds in the creative and digital industries. Driven by industry standards and supported by the latest high-performance technology, they produce highly employable and enterprising graduates. They are the top-ranked specialist university for graduate salaries in creative art and design and have a strong track record when it comes to business creation. Alongside their student community, Ravensbourne University London has hosted more than 100 creative technology businesses through their Incubation unit, from award-winning production companies and digital agencies to internationally recognised fashion labels.
Unfortunately, the wider environment and culture I belonged to were not like this for every girl in that era, and, sadly, the situation has not changed much today.
From a very young age, many girls struggle to pursue their interest in STEM, as it is still often considered a male-dominated field in our society.
According to recent research conducted in 2025, despite global technological progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM. They make up only one-third of researchers worldwide, with even fewer in leadership roles. This gender gap begins early, shaped by stereotypes, socio-cultural norms, and the lack of female role models. These barriers lower self-confidence and reduce interest among girls.
Further research also highlights how teaching methods, hidden curricula, and biases contribute to the continuation of these disparities. Many of the women I have met who are successfully pursuing careers in STEM have had to overcome immense hardships to reach their current positions. Such resilience and patience are not easy to sustain, and not every girl is able to endure these challenges.
The underrepresentation of women in STEM and other professional fields limits their access to high-paying, technology-driven careers and reduces the overall diversity in technology and innovation. The absence of female role models reinforces the stereotype that STEM is a male domain, discouraging girls from following these paths. As a result, large pools of talent remain untapped, diminishing the potential for scientific and technological breakthroughs. Evidence shows that gender-diverse teams work more effectively than all-male ones; therefore, gender inequality does not only hold women back, but it also slows progress and stifles innovation across industries.
To address this, governments, educational institutions, and society must take comprehensive, multi-level action. Strategies should include engaging girls in STEM at an early age by introducing them to science and technology through interactive activities, role-playing with female scientists, and employing gender-sensitive teaching methods. Supporting women through mentorship and visible female role models is essential, alongside financial support such as scholarships and initiatives like the UK’s Women in STEM scholarships.
To retain women in STEM leadership roles, flexible work policies and remote working options should also be encouraged. At the same time, stereotypes must be challenged through social media campaigns and community projects to normalise women’s presence in the tech sector. Encouragingly, some countries, including the UK, have already launched targeted initiatives to attract and retain women in STEM through motivational programmes, flexible work arrangements, and leadership opportunities.
Ultimately, addressing gender inequality in STEM is a matter of fairness as well as necessity. Creating inclusive pathways, dismantling stereotypes and supporting women at every stage of their STEM journey will ensure that future generations of girls can pursue these fields freely and equally.
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