MORE and more Filipino women are venturing into the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, a study showed.

Researchers from the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute found a significant increase in the number of women in the field of STEM. The study launched on March 31 titled “Women in Science” focused on the state of Filipino women and girls pursuing careers in STEM.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority from 1990 to 2015 showed that women accounted for nearly half of the country’s total science and technology workforce. The top S&T occupation with the highest number of female workers were Nursing and Midwifery and other health-related professions, as well as Engineering and other technology-related professions.

From 1990 to 2015, the number of females in science and technology careers increased. These occupations are in health care, Engineering, Architecture and ICT related fields. Most of the women employees are concentrated in some areas in Luzon, specifically in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.

Data culled in 2015 showed that the number of women engaged in S&T is substantial: out of 10 million degree holders in the country, over 3.7 million have S&T degrees, composed roughly of 45 percent females. There are 434,000 women who are employed in S&T occupations and there are more women working in the S&T fields who are Postbaccalaureate degree holders.

There are, however, still some gaps and inequalities that need to be addressed, including the concentration of female S&T professionals in the National Capital, Central Luzon and CALABARZON regions.

“While we have made great strides in empowering Filipinas in STEM, there is much work that still needs to be done not just in terms of gender equality but also towards further improving access to education and employment opportunities,” said DOST-SEI Director Josette T. Biyo.

“This inclusivity is essential to our nation’s development and eventual achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

“Without naming names, there is a great number of Filipinas who are impact-players in their fields. We hope to continue to inspire our young girls for we know the caliber that our women scientists and engineers can be,” Biyo added.