Bridging the Gender Gap: Corporate Motivations for Promoting Women in STEM Through Education, Workforce Inclusion, and University Mentorship Program
Academic Article in Scopus
The persistent gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields has garnered increasing global attention, with women comprising only 28 % of the international STEM workforce and showing significantly lower interest in STEM careers from an early age in countries like Mexico (8 % of girls vs. 27 % of boys). These disparities underscore an urgent need for targeted initiatives to foster gender equity in STEM education and careers. This study investigates the strategic motivations driving corporate engagement in STEM gender equity and examines the perceived benefits and challenges of their university-industry collaborations, with a focus on mentorship programs. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives and CEOs from 18 Mexican companies actively involved in these initiatives, notably those whose CEOs serve as university student mentors. Findings reveal that companies are primarily motivated by a strong ethical and social commitment, alongside a robust business case that links gender equity to enhanced innovation, talent attraction, and organizational reputation. Universityindustry mentorship programs are highly valued for their perceived benefits in increasing female representation and fostering inclusive work environments. While a significant majority of companies measure impact, common challenges include difficulties in attracting technically trained female candidates, internal cultural resistance, and unconscious biases. This research offers nuanced insights into the multifaceted drivers and barriers to corporate gender equity efforts, providing crucial guidance for developing sustainable and impactful best practices in STEM.
