Pinay’s prowess presided in a research study “Women in Science” launched March 31 by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) focusing on women who pursue careers in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, there has been an increasing number of Filipina workers who landed jobs in the field of health, engineering, architecture, and other technology-related professions since 1995.
In 2015, 45% of the 3.7 million science and technology degree holders in the country were women, with approximately 48.1% or 434,000 employed in science and technology (S&T) professions.
The study showed there are more females or 54.3% working in S&T fields who are post-baccalaureate degree holders.
The DOST-SEI, however, noted that the increase of Filipina workers in the S&T field is only concentrated in the areas of the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, and Calabarzon. It also mentioned the “high gender disparity” in the fields of Engineering and Architecture.
“While we have made great strides in empowering Filipinas in STEM, there is much work that still needs to be done not just in terms of gender equality but also towards further improving access to education and employment opportunities,” DOST-SEI Dir. Josette T. Biyo said.
DOST-SEI vowed to continue to celebrate and inspire outstanding Filipinas in the field of science and technology.
“Without naming names, there is a great number of Filipinas who are impact players in their fields. We hope to continue to inspire our young girls for we know the caliber that our women scientists and engineers can be,” Biyo said. –kc/ag
