Closing the Gender Gap in STEM: How Coding for Kids Can Make a Difference

In Australia and New Zealand, women still face challenges in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Despite efforts to promote gender equality, the gap remains due to several key factors. Stereotypes about STEM being a "male-dominated" field discourage many girls from pursuing these subjects. A lack of female role models in STEM careers also plays a role, making it harder for young girls to picture themselves in these industries. Additionally, unconscious bias in classrooms and workplaces can impact opportunities for women, from school to leadership positions. Even when women do enter STEM careers, they often face workplace culture issues, slower career progression, and a gender pay gap, making retention a challenge.

Fewer Girls in STEM Subjects

From a young age, fewer girls choose STEM subjects in school. In Australia, only about 25% of Year 12 students in IT, physics, and engineering are female. At university, women make up 37% of STEM students, and this number hasn’t changed much in recent years .
New Zealand has seen some improvement in agricultural sciences, but women still make up only 27% of engineering graduates.

Fewer Women in STEM Jobs

Even when women study STEM, fewer of them get jobs in the field. In Australia, only 15% of STEM jobs are held by women, and leadership roles are even rarer. Women make up just 23% of senior managers and only 8% of STEM company CEOs.

The Gender Pay Gap

Women in STEM also earn less than men. In 2023, the pay gap in STEM industries was 16%. While this is slightly better than 2022’s 17%, it’s still higher than the national average.

Teaching Coding to Kids Can Help

One of the most effective ways to close the gender gap in STEM is to introduce coding and other STEM subjects to children at a young age. Research shows that girls who are exposed to STEM early in life are more likely to develop an interest in it and pursue related careers. However, many girls miss out on these opportunities because they are not encouraged to explore coding, robotics, or engineering in the same way that boys are.
Coding helps build problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity—important skills for all children, but especially for girls who may lack confidence in STEM subjects due to societal stereotypes. Early exposure to coding helps break down the misconception that STEM is "too hard" or "only for boys" by showing girls that they can succeed and enjoy these subjects.
Furthermore, coding is becoming a core skill in many careers, even beyond traditional tech jobs. Teaching kids to code prepares them for the future job market, where digital literacy is increasingly important. When girls learn coding from an early age, they not only gain technical skills but also build the confidence needed to consider STEM careers later in life.
By creating an inclusive and encouraging environment for girls to learn coding, we can help ensure that more of them continue to study STEM subjects in high school, university, and beyond. This early exposure can lead to long-term changes, increasing the number of women in STEM fields and narrowing the gender gap over time.

How Skill Samurai Supports Girls in STEM

Skill Samurai helps kids aged 7-18 learn coding, robotics, and other STEM skills. Their classes make learning hands-on and fun, keeping kids engaged while teaching valuable tech skills.
With over 1,200 hours of lessons, Skill Samurai provides clear learning paths that take students from basic skills to career-level knowledge over eight years.
By making STEM fun and accessible , Skill Samurai helps close the gender gap, giving girls the skills they need to succeed in technology careers.

A Brighter Future for Women in STEM

While challenges remain, early exposure to coding and STEM can create real change. With centres like Skill Samurai, more girls can develop the confidence and skills needed to lead in STEM fields, helping build a more equal and innovative future.
Visit Skill Samurai now.
Sources:

https://www.industry.gov.au

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