A study of factors militating against female participation in STEM fields in Nigeria: Implications for counselling

Abstract

This study investigated some factors militating against female participation in STEM fields. The study employed a descriptive survey design. A sample of 150 students from STEM fields at University of Ibadan, Southwestern, Nigeria was randomly selected for the study. Instrument used for data collection was a self-designed checklist on factors militating against female participation in STEM fields. Data analysis involved the use of simple percentage. The study employed a combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study identified lack of interest, masculine image of STEM courses, lack of female role models/mentors, school factors, teacher factors, parental factor, socio-cultural factors and gender stereotype among others as the factors militating against female participation in STEM fields. However, the results revealed that socio-cultural factor had the highest percentage (40%), closely followed by lack of interest (39%) while school factors and teacher factors are at the base (1%) respectively among the factors militating against female participation in STEM. Further comment from the focus group revealed that women run from STEM fields because they perceive it as a man’s field and the rigours associated with it. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that counsellors should develop interventions that would increase girls ‘self-confidence and feeling of worth in STEM fields.

Keywords: Counselling. Female participation. Implications. Militating. STEM fields.