Women and Girls in STEM Week.
The resolution calls on citizens and community organizations to actively support the observance of this designated week. It aims to inspire and encourage not only women and girls to enter and succeed in STEM fields but also to address the broader community implications of gender disparity. By amplifying conversations around these issues, SCR85 seeks to foster a more inclusive environment within STEM disciplines, which have historically been male-dominated.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 85, proposed by Senator Chang, aims to promote awareness around the gender disparities present in the STEM fields by designating April 5 to April 11, 2020, as Women and Girls in STEM Week. The resolution recognizes the critical importance of STEM professions to the success of California's economy, highlighting that many of the fastest growing job markets require expertise in these areas. Furthermore, it seeks to acknowledge the underrepresentation of women in STEM careers despite their high qualifications, as women earn nearly 60% of bachelor's degrees yet occupy only 26% of the STEM workforce.
One notable point of discussion in support of SCR85 is the significant economic advantages linked to women pursuing careers in STEM, as women in these professions tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in non-STEM roles. While the resolution has received broad support for its objectives, it also underscores the necessity for ongoing dialogue and initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap in STEM fields, emphasizing that existing barriers still contribute to the underrepresentation of women in critical workforce sectors.