**3. Conclusion**

Despite the effort to bridge the gender gap, existing research still shows more work is still required to encourage more women into the STEM field.

More young girls and women need to be mentored because seeing people like them in similar fields encourages their own participation. A lot of stereotypes need to be addressed from home as well as in the workplace. Women should not have to choose family over work, some countries like Sweden and Norway have put policies in place that ensure job security for the women even through different seasons of family life, some of these include maternity and paternity leave, and the option to work virtually and shorter hours after childbirth. If more countries adopt these measures, more women might see a reason to enter the field. Research also calls for reorientation in the minds of young girls and women as to their roles in society. They should know they have options and should not be shamed or discriminated against for whatever option they choose, regardless of the norm seen in their society.

Campaigns have been one of the most popular means used in a lot of countries, but research shows they are often short-lived without addressing the core of the issue, so they should be supplemented with other means highlighted above, to encourage more women into STEM fields.

This chapter should bring all shareholders to collaborate and act together to support and encourage female students to pursue a career in STEM areas.
