Some food for thought: in countries with higher overall gender equality (e.g. the most progressive countries in Western Europe), relatively few women end up in STEM. Conversely, in countries with lower gender equality (e.g. the Middle East, South Asia), large numbers of women end up in STEM [0].

From the article:

>It could have to do with the fact that women in countries with higher gender inequality are simply seeking the clearest possible path to financial freedom. And typically, that path leads through STEM professions.

>The upshot of this research is neither especially feminist nor especially sad: It’s not that gender equality discourages girls from pursuing science. It’s that it allows them not to if they’re not interested.

[0] https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/02/the-more...