Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has a potentially significant role to play in providing the skills and competencies required to support innovation, productivity and international competitiveness as well as areas of social development including health and education.

Even as STEM subjects and skills are becoming more essential in today’s world, gender disparities are prevalent in these fields. In recent years, much has been done to help inspire girls and women to study and work in technical fields. Yet long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are steering girls and women away from STEM-related fields, which means that a large pool of potential skills that could contribute to economic development remains untapped.

Recognizing the gap in TVET-specific data and literature, UNESCO-UNEVOC conducted a study on Boosting gender equality in science and technology. A challenge for TVET programmes and careers throughout 2019 and 2020. The virtual conference was organized at the occasion of the launching of the study report that reviewed available evidence of the situation faced by girls and women in STEM-related TVET.