This book presents the findings of a survey that analyzes a unique set of data in science and technolog and provides a clear and simple synthesis of heterogeneous databases on the gender gap in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) setting, helping readers understand key trends and developments. The need for more women in innovative fields, particularly with regard to STEM-based innovations, has now been broadly recognized. The book provides insights into both the education and employment of women in STEM. It investigates how the gender gap has evolved among STEM graduates and professionals around the world, drawing on specific data from public and private databases. As such, the book provides readers an understanding of how the so-called ¿leaky pipeline¿ operates, and of how more women than men drop out of STEM studies and jobs by geographical area.
 

Introduction.- Change-Abled? Women Studying STEM: Global Trends.- Catching Up: Middle East North Africa, Sub Saharan Africa, South West Asia.- Sustaining: East Asia Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe.- Decreasing: Central Asia, Latin America, North America and Western Europe.- Empower-Abled? Women Working in STEM: Global Trends.- Catching Up on Studies Not Employment.- Stronger Not Always Better.- Losing Ground but Not Value.- Conclusion.- ACTWISE Call for Action.- Appendix: Perspectives and Actions on Women in STEM by Yfactor Partners.- List of Countries by Geographical Zone (UNESCO).- Yfactor Online Survey Methodology.

Claudine Schmuck is the Founder and Associate Director of Global Contact, which provides management consulting to CEOs and decision makers with focus on innovation, NTIC and change management. She is also an expert working with the European Commission, and as such collaborates regularly with DG Research, and DG Connect to assess answers to calls for offers in the context of PCRD. Between 1990 and 2000, in addition to holding a senior position at Bull (leading French computer manufacturer) she taught NTIC for 10 years at the CELSA (Paris IV, Sorbonne) to students at Master and Doctorate level. The book "Introduction au multimedia", published in 1995 by the AFNOR (French Standardization organization) reflected the content of these courses.