Why do we need more women in STEM ?
Apart from the obvious human rights and gender equality argument , there are numerous reasons to diversify the STEM workforce . One of these is the need for diverse opinions and perspectives , which are integral to problem-solving and leading innovation – key aspects of STEM careers . Professor Scott Page , a distinguished professor at the University of Michigan , mathematically rationalises the need for diversity . His model claims that the collective accuracy of a group is dependent on the individual ability of people in the group and the diversity of the group in equal parts . While he uses the word ‘ diversity ’ to describe diversity in ways of thinking , and I acknowledge it is possible to have a group of ethnically similar people who all think in a varied way . However , one ’ s ethnicity , race , nationality , socioeconomic background , and gender all affect the perspectives and ways in which people approach problems .