Gender Disparity in STEM Fields - STEM fields traditionally dominated by men, with historical and societal factors contributing to the underrepresentation of women [1][4][5] - Women represent approximately 35% of scholarship recipients in exact and earth sciences, and 336% in engineering and computing [5] - Women constitute 43% of researchers, but are underrepresented in leadership positions [6] Initiatives and Progress - International Day of Girls and Women in Science (February 11th) aims to promote respect and encouragement for girls and women in STEM [7] - From 2010 to 2019, the percentage of women graduating in STEM fields increased from 295% to 34%, indicating slow but positive progress [10] - UN's Sustainable Development Goal 5 focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls [11][12] Examples of Empowerment Programs - Fundação Osvaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) has a project for girls in STEM, offering immersion experiences in laboratories and interactions with researchers [13] - Museu da Manhã in Rio de Janeiro created "Meninas de 10 anos" project to empower girls aged 10-16 in STEM activities [14]