Why Seeing Women in STEM Matters: The Power of Role Models

Sometimes, imagining your future starts with seeing someone else doing it first.

For young girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and math, seeing women working in STEM can make those careers feel more possible. A student might enjoy coding, building things, or solving science problems but still have a hard time picturing herself as a software engineer, scientist, or mathematician if she rarely sees women in those roles.

That is why representation and mentorship matter.

Representation Can Shape What Feels Possible

Girls are succeeding in math and science, but women are still underrepresented in several STEM fields.

According to the National Girls Collaborative Project's 2026 State of Girls and Women in STEM report, women earn about half of science and engineering degrees overall, but only 26% of engineering degrees and 23% of computer science degrees. Women also represent about 35% of the STEM workforce, compared with 48% of the overall workforce.

These gaps aren't simply about whether girls are capable of succeeding in STEM. Girls and young women already demonstrate strong ability and interest in these subjects. Instead, factors such as stereotypes, access to opportunities, confidence, and exposure to relatable role models can influence whether girls continue pursuing STEM.

Seeing women succeed in these fields can challenge the idea that certain careers are only for certain people.

Role Models Don't Have to Be Famous

When we think about women in STEM, famous scientists and innovators might come to mind. Learning about their accomplishments can be inspiring, but some of the most influential role models can be people much closer to home.

A role model could be a science teacher, a college student studying computer science, a family member who works in healthcare, or an engineer volunteering at an after-school program.

In fact, UNESCO highlights mentorship and role models as important ways to address gender bias in STEM. Connecting girls with women already working in these fields can give them a more realistic understanding of what STEM careers actually look like.

A relatable role model doesn't have to have a perfect career or know everything. Sometimes, hearing someone say, "I struggled with this too," can be just as valuable as hearing about their successes.

Mentors Can Make STEM Feel Less Intimidating

A mentor can do more than introduce someone to a career. They can answer questions, share their experiences, encourage curiosity, and help students navigate challenges.

This can be especially important when a student is trying something new.

Imagine a girl learning to code for the first time. Her program doesn't work, and she starts wondering whether coding simply isn't for her. Talking to someone who can explain that debugging and making mistakes are normal parts of programming can completely change how she views that experience.

Instead of thinking, "I'm bad at coding," she might start thinking, "This is part of learning how to code."

The National Girls Collaborative Project points to mentorship and representation as important tools for helping girls build confidence and continue along STEM pathways.

Exposure Matters, Too

Not every student will have a STEM professional in their family or community, which makes opportunities to meet and learn from people in STEM especially valuable.

Schools, nonprofits, families, and community organizations can help by introducing students to a wide variety of STEM careers. Career talks, workshops, field trips, mentorship programs, coding clubs, and hands-on activities can all give young people a better idea of what working in STEM actually looks like.

And that exposure can begin early.

A child doesn't need to decide at age ten that she wants to become an engineer. She simply needs opportunities to explore, ask questions, and discover possibilities she may not have known existed.

Becoming the Next Role Model

Representation can create a cycle.

A girl meets a woman working in STEM and begins to imagine herself doing something similar. She explores her interests, develops new skills, and eventually finds her own place in STEM. Years later, another young girl may look at her and think, "Maybe I could do that too."

That's part of why creating opportunities for girls in STEM matters.

At Girls Code the World, we want girls to have opportunities to explore STEM, build their skills, and see that there is a place for them in these fields. Sometimes, all it takes to imagine a new possibility is seeing someone who shows you it can be done.

Sources

National Girls Collaborative Project — State of Girls and Women in STEM 2026
Provides current data on girls and women in STEM education and the workforce, including representation in computer science and engineering.

National Girls Collaborative Project — Role Model and Mentoring Resources
Explores how mentorship, representation, and connections with STEM professionals can support girls and young women in STEM.

UNESCO — Girls' and Women's Education in STEM
Discusses gender disparities in STEM education and the importance of mentors and role models in challenging gender bias.

UNESCO — Advancing Gender Equality in STEM Education: Inspiring Girls to Pursue Science
Discusses how mentorship, visible role models, education, and supportive learning environments can encourage girls to pursue science and STEM careers.