The study "Watch Out for Drop-Out!" reveals that a significant number of women with STEM qualifications in Austria are not working in the MINT sector. The research, conducted by the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS) and L&R Sozialforschung, involved a mix of quantitative data analysis, an online survey of 741 women, and qualitative workshops with 19 women.
Key Findings on MINT Drop-Outs
The study highlights that while women generally have fewer educational drop-outs, the STEM field is an exception. Women in STEM schools show similar or even higher drop-out rates than men. A key finding is the "leaky MINT pipeline," which shows a continuous decrease in the number of women at each subsequent stage of the MINT educational path. For instance, only 14% of female graduates from a STEM BHS (vocational high school) go on to start a STEM degree program, compared to 33% of male graduates.
The study also found that fewer than a third (31%) of women with a formal STEM degree are employed in a MINT profession. This is a stark contrast to men, of whom more than half (57%) with a STEM degree are in a STEM job. After controlling for other factors like age, education, and work hours, the study concluded that women are more than twice as likely as men to leave a MINT profession.
Reasons for Leaving MINT
The online survey and workshops revealed that individual reasons like a lack of confidence or interest were not the main reasons for women leaving the field. Instead, the primary factors were poor working conditions and a desire for further professional development. Women who left STEM professions rated their work conditions as significantly more critical than those who remained. Many felt a sense of "different treatment". As one workshop participant noted, "As a woman, especially a young professional, it's not easy to assert yourself—especially when the environment is male-dominated".
Recommendations for Improvement
To address this issue, the study offers recommendations at three levels:
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Corporate Level: Companies should create fair, safe, and discrimination-free working environments with clear career paths, equitable pay, and a culture of respect. Works councils and employee representatives are identified as key players.
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Educational Level: Educational institutions must promote gender equality, ensure inclusive introductory courses, and highlight female role models to make them more visible to students.
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Societal Level: Society needs to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes from an early age through career guidance. The study also recommends strengthening opportunities for women to re-enter the MINT field.
The study "Watch Out for Drop-Out!" was commissioned by the Austrian Fund for the Empowerment and Advancement of Women and Girls and carried out jointly by IHS and L&R Social Research.