National STEM Day on 8th November highlights the importance of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) engagement, particularly for marginalised groups and women. Although women represent just 26% of the global STEM workforce and face a $15,000 gender pay gap, some countries are taking significant strides to promote inclusivity.
In a recent analysis of 38 OECD countries, CloudZero, a cloud cost optimisation platform, evaluated various factors such as the percentage of women in STEM roles, gender wage gaps, and the availability of opportunities. The findings reveal which countries are best positioned for women to start a STEM career.
Luxembourg emerges as the top choice for women in STEM
Luxembourg has been named the best country for women entering STEM careers, thanks to its remarkably low gender pay gap of just 0.4% and an average female salary of $78,310. Notably, Luxembourg is also the first country where women earn more than men on an hourly basis, with a negative pay gap of –0.7%.
Iceland follows closely in second place, offering the highest average female salary across all job roles at $79,473, with nearly equal representation in STEM roles (45%). The United States ranks third, boasting the highest number of available STEM roles – 11 per 1,000 female workers – but struggles with a gender wage gap of 17%.
Belgium secures fourth place with a pay gap of only 1% but has a low percentage of female STEM graduates (26%), potentially discouraging women from entering the field. Denmark rounds out the top five, with a 6% pay gap but only one STEM role per 1,000 female workers, creating tough competition for available positions.
STEM opportunities vary across countries
While Luxembourg offers women one of the best environments to launch a STEM career, other countries also stand out in different areas. Lithuania, for instance, has the highest percentage of women in STEM roles at 49%, and Poland and the UK are home to the most female STEM graduates, with 43% and 38%, respectively.
Engineering, in particular, is a field with abundant opportunities, as the research found it to be the STEM sector with the highest number of vacancies, totalling 220,311 roles globally. These positions are crucial in helping organisations adapt to rapidly advancing technology.
Industry advice for aspiring women in STEM
Madeline Umscheid from CloudZero offered guidance for women looking to break into STEM: “First, identify the field you’re most interested in and seek practical experience to build your skills. If you’re in education, take advantage of school networks to secure internships. For those without a degree, start by looking for entry-level roles. Surround yourself with a peer network to stay updated on industry developments and seek inclusive employers who can support your growth.”
Umscheid emphasises that prioritising diversity benefits both employees and workplace performance, fostering environments where women can thrive and contribute to the technological advancements shaping the future.
