Why is it necessary for more women scientists?

Mr. Director,
At the global level, there is still much to work to ensure that there are more and more women scientists. In fact, a report published by the UN in 2020 found that, in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) sector, female researchers were only 29.3% of the global total. According to the same study, at the level of Latin America the picture seems more encouraging: the figure rises to 45%. 
In particular, Chile has also been evolving in this field: according to information from the National Agency for Research and Development, ANID, the percentage of women scientists leading projects went from 15% in 2010 to 25% in 2020. 
However, the increase of women in STEM areas is not yet fully observed in universities. According to the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCh), in March 2020 women represented 55% of those selected to enter higher education, but only 10% entered engineering or construction careers and 6% entered studies related to science. This contrasts sharply with the male reality, where 28% and 13% were accepted into those careers respectively. 
Although there is some progress, female participation remains an uneven terrain that needs to be enhanced, especially when STEM disciplines will be very important in the future.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are key to addressing some of the main challenges of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In addition, it is estimated that 75% of the total jobs that will be in those years will be related to the STEM sector, so having more participation in that area is essential. 
Given the future landscape of scientific and STEM careers, it is required that there be more and more women engineers, technologists, scientists or mathematicians, so that economic security is guaranteed for the entire population and that there is a diverse and talented workforce. 
A woman studying a STEM career helps put an end to the stereotypes that relate this world to men. It has been shown that gender equality contributes to the sustainable development of a society.
Marcela Letelier Porras
Project Manager Engineering 2030 UTEM

Original source in Spanish