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As the world advances in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, women continue to play a critical role in shaping the future. Yet representation remains uneven across countries, disciplines, and career stages. In 2025, global and regional data show both encouraging progress and persistent barriers. These statistics not only highlight where women stand in STEM but also reveal what must change to create fairer, more innovative systems.
This report provides an overview of the latest numbers, explores the trends behind them, and considers what the data mean for the future of women in STEM worldwide.
Global Overview
According to UNESCO, women now account for roughly 33 percent of researchers globally. This represents a modest increase from previous years but remains far from parity. Regional variation is stark, with some countries exceeding 40 percent representation and others falling below 20 percent.
At the organisational level, the OECD reports that women remain concentrated in certain disciplines such as life sciences while underrepresented in engineering, computing, and physics. Despite growth in digital education programmes, gender gaps in advanced technical roles persist.
In the United Kingdom, data from the Office for National Statistics show that women represent around 27 percent of the core STEM workforce in 2025. This is an improvement compared with a decade ago but progress has slowed in engineering and technology fields.
Regional Trends
Europe
In Western Europe, women account for nearly 35 percent of STEM researchers, with strong representation in biology and medicine but continued underrepresentation in engineering. Countries with robust childcare systems and equal pay policies, such as the Nordic nations, retain more women in technical careers.
In Eastern Europe, representation is higher in mathematics and physics than in Western Europe, reflecting longstanding educational traditions. However, women are still less visible in senior academic and corporate leadership roles.
North America
In the United States and Canada, women represent about 30 percent of STEM jobs. Women are well represented in health and life sciences but remain under 20 percent in computing and engineering. The gender pay gap is particularly persistent in these areas, with men in technology roles earning substantially more. For more detailed analysis, see the STEM pay gap discussion.
Latin America
Latin America shows relatively strong participation of women in scientific research, averaging around 45 percent in some countries. However, systemic barriers such as limited funding and career instability disproportionately affect women, contributing to attrition in mid career stages.
Africa
African countries present a wide range of outcomes. Nations with targeted programmes, such as South Africa’s policies for women in research, are improving representation. Yet overall, women still make up less than a third of STEM professionals on the continent. Mentorship and investment programmes remain critical for retention.
Asia And The Pacific
Asia’s data show major contrasts. East Asian economies such as China and South Korea graduate large numbers of women in STEM, yet fewer remain in long term research or corporate roles. In South Asia, cultural barriers limit entry, though progress is being made through targeted educational initiatives. The Pacific region shows small but growing numbers of women in STEM leadership.
Middle East
Representation varies dramatically. Countries investing heavily in education and innovation, such as the United Arab Emirates, have made strides in women’s STEM participation. Others continue to face structural and cultural barriers that restrict women’s advancement in technical fields.
The Leaky Pipeline In Academia
The statistics confirm that women are more likely than men to drop out of STEM careers at successive stages, a phenomenon often described as the leaky pipeline. Women are well represented at undergraduate level, but numbers decline in postgraduate research and drop sharply at senior leadership stages. For further exploration, see The Leaky Pipeline In Academia.
Impact Of Covid 19 On Women In STEM
The pandemic had a disproportionate effect on women in STEM. Research interruptions, reduced lab access, and caregiving responsibilities drove higher attrition rates among women compared with men. Even in 2025, these effects linger, with slower recovery for women’s publication output and leadership advancement. For more analysis, visit Covid Impact On Women In STEM.
Key Charts And Commentary
- Global Share Of Women In STEM Jobs (2025)
- Women: 28 percent overall
- Men: 72 percent
Commentary: Although there is a small rise since 2020, progress is uneven and concentrated in certain fields.
- Regional Comparison Of Women In Research
- Latin America: 44 percent
- Europe: 35 percent
- North America: 30 percent
- Africa: 30 percent
- Asia Pacific: 27 percent
Commentary: Latin America leads in participation but struggles with retention, while North America and Europe show slower growth but better infrastructure.
- Disciplinary Representation (OECD Data)
- Life Sciences: Women 50 percent
- Engineering: Women 18 percent
- Computer Science: Women 20 percent
Commentary: Fields with cultural perceptions of being more “female friendly” achieve balance, while technical areas lag.
- STEM Pay Gap 2025 (ONS UK Data)
- Women’s median hourly earnings: 83p for every £1 earned by men in core STEM roles
Commentary: Pay gaps persist even when controlling for education and experience, deterring long term retention.
- Women’s median hourly earnings: 83p for every £1 earned by men in core STEM roles
What The Data Means
The statistics for 2025 make clear that while entry level representation has improved, retention remains the defining challenge. The leaky pipeline continues to drain talent, particularly in technical and leadership roles. Pay gaps, cultural barriers, and limited career progression all contribute.
Yet the data also highlight positive examples. Countries with supportive policies, transparent pay, and strong networks see higher participation and retention. Mentorship, sponsorship, and returnship programmes make measurable differences.
The Role Of Networks
Individual talent is only part of the equation. Retaining women in STEM requires structural support and community. Networks provide visibility, mentorship, and opportunities. The Women in STEM Network will offer global connections, mentoring, and access to the latest data and research. By joining, women not only benefit personally but also contribute to a growing collective voice for equity.
Conclusion
The 2025 statistics confirm both progress and persistent gaps for women in STEM worldwide. Representation is growing, but barriers to retention and advancement remain. Addressing these requires systemic change, investment in equity policies, and sustained support from networks and employers. By citing these data and linking back to the Women in STEM Network, organisations and individuals can amplify awareness and contribute to meaningful change.