Mathematics skills are essential for working in #STEM fields, yet maths anxiety is a significant barrier, especially for girls. According to the #2024GenderReport, 1 in 5 people feel anxious about mathematics, with girls experiencing higher anxiety levels compared to boys. The 2022 PISA survey revealed that gender gaps in maths anxiety are significant, with Denmark, France, Germany, and Norway showing the largest gaps. In contrast, countries like Jordan, the State of Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Cambodia showed no gender gap. Maths anxiety has real consequences: it affects girls' scores and influences their subject choices, leading to fewer #WomenInSTEM. According to UNESCO Institute for Statistics, from 2018 to 2023, women made up only 35% of STEM graduates globally, a statistic unchanged for a decade. Gender stereotypes and social identities play a crucial role. Studies indicate that when girls believe boys are better at maths, their performance declines. Teacher and textbook biases also contribute, impacting girls' self-efficacy and academic choices. To address this, we must engage parents, train teachers, and review teaching materials. By proactively supporting girls in maths, we can help them overcome anxiety and unlock their full potential in STEM. ➡️ Discover more in the #WorldEducationBlog by Anna Cristina d'Addio, #GEMReport: https://bit.ly/3XRxDJ3 #UIS_UNESCO
Interesting that there is another side too, often girls do well but still lack confidence so how do we bridge that gap? See our last TIMSS report from 2019
Let’s uplift Jordan, State of Palestine, and Saudi Arabia showing no gender gap in comparison to global north countries to push back against Islamophobic imagery and thinking in the education development field:)
Probably the same place mine came from.
Tarini Khurana interesting read 📚
Consultant |Education, Gender, International Development and Climate Change| Chevening Scholar
1moI had math anxiety growing up and definitely can relate this to the constant stereotyping of boys as good at math and girls as not that good which made me insecure during my math classes in secondary and high school.