Why Have We Failed to Narrow the Gender Gap in STEM Fields in Higher Education? Analyzing The Role of Prior Education, Mentoring, and Male Participation

Why Have We Failed to Narrow the Gender Gap in STEM Fields in Higher Education? Analyzing The Role of Prior Education, Mentoring, and Male Participation

Article Number: e2025373 | Available Online: August 2025 | DOI: 10.22521/edupij.2025.17.373

M. Yolanda Burgos-López , Luis H. González-Guerra , M. Ileana Ruiz-Cantisani , Gabriela Ortiz-Martínez , Jorge Membrillo-Hernández

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Abstract

Background/purpose. Women remain underrepresented in STEM, particularly in higher education, where cultural and structural barriers persist. In Mexico, women make up less than 30% of students in engineering and technology programs, highlighting a persistent gender gap. This study investigates whether gender-focused mentoring, specifically female empowerment and male allyship, can positively influence women's interest and persistence in STEM fields.

Methods. Three interrelated studies were conducted at a university in Mexico. Study 1 evaluated a six-month corporate mentorship program involving 210 undergraduate women in STEM. Study 2 assessed the attitudes and participation of 100 male students and faculty in equity initiatives. Study 3 implemented a longitudinal mentoring program for 42 high school girls from vulnerable communities, guided by undergraduate mentors and female faculty members in STEM fields. Each study used a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and thematic reflection analysis.

Results. Corporate mentoring increased confidence and reaffirmed STEM career intentions for 84% of participants. In Study 2, male participants reported greater awareness and support for equity, though barriers included limited awareness. In the high school case, mentoring sparked an interest in STEM among 30% of students and improved their soft skills. However, socioeconomic challenges, such as limited parental support and inadequate access to technology, persisted.

Conclusion. Mentoring programs can significantly influence women’s persistence in STEM, especially when combining empowerment with inclusive male engagement.

Keywords: STEM, women, engineering education, educational innovation, mentoring

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