Opportunities and Obstacles for the Attraction, Retention and Progression of Girls and Women to STEM Studies and Careers in Cambodia

Home
Research Centres

Educational Research and Innovation

Opportunities and Obstacles for the Attraction, Retention and Progression of Girls and Women to STEM Studies and Careers in Cambodia

Project Description

The Cambodia STI roadmap aims to have 50% of university graduates majoring in STEM subjects, with 40% of those graduates being women, by 2030. Despite the government's efforts to promote STEM education and careers, the number of students majoring in STEM, particularly female students, remains very low compared to other countries in the region. Studies also suggest that females are much more likely than males to leave the STEM pipeline after completing secondary school. As Cambodia seeks to transform its economy into a technology-driven one, it is crucial for the government not only to expand the STEM sector but also to address this leaky STEM pipeline.

Project Objective

The objectives of the project are twofold:

To examine the patterns and trends in female participation in STEM education, Cambodia's labor force, and the external factors influencing women's decisions to pursue STEM education and careers.
To explore the key barriers and motivators for female students in choosing STEM majors, and how these factors influence their transition from education to career.

Project Leader