Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministers in charge of women's economic participation are empowering female citizens in the region by promoting full and equal access to the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field, considering the growing demand for high-skilled workforce in these critical areas.
"It is essential to address the obstacles that women still face in achieving economic empowerment, including social norms and practices that place them at a disadvantage or in subordinate positions, or the use motherhood as an excuse for exclusion or demand that they set aside their economic expectations to fulfill caregiving responsibilities," Peru's Women and Vulnerable Populations Minister Teresa Hernandez stated.
Despite the progress made in recent years and the increased prominence of female citizens in political, economic, social, and cultural life, the government official noted that inequalities persist in each of the APEC economies.
During their
high-level policy dialogue in Arequipa,
ministers identified policy actions to attract more women and girls to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field, recognizing that STEM has become fundamental drivers of innovation and development.
"Our region cannot remain indifferent to the major global technological challenges we face, as well as to a constantly changing world of work. This task is urgent," Hernandez said, highlighting the importance for member economies to explore, as well as develop innovative, sustainable, and effective strategies to increase the participation of women in STEM education and careers.
Ministers shared their views in tackling the complex challenges of women and girls' participation in the STEM field, including by addressing entrenched social practices that still keep female citizens out of public and economic spaces, confining them to professions, spaces, and tasks associated with female stereotype.
"We need to create synergies, both within and outside APEC, that promote the effective participation of women in STEM, providing them with access to information technologies and learning opportunities in digital competencies and skills," Hernandez said.
"This will strengthen women's comprehensive personal growth, their economic empowerment, and their position in decision-making," she added.
"These data deficiencies hinder our ability to accurately assess the landscape, identify barriers, and opportunities (…) We need comprehensive data to formulate strategies that meaningfully address women's engagement and advancement in STEM disciplines," Dr. Sta Maria stated.
"Building upon the recommendations, recognizing the progress made and the challenges to the advancement of women and girls' participation in STEM fields, we must continue to work together in APEC, encourage increased cross-fora collaboration, and forge robust partnerships and cooperation between APEC and other stakeholders, including ABAC and other regional and international organizations," she added.
Peru is hosting APEC for the third time after the 2008 and 2016 editions.
21 leading economies
APEC is made up of:
Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
Together, they account for 62% of world's GDP, 48% of global trade in goods and services, plus 38% of the planet's population.
Editor's note: Information provided by APEC's Women and the Economy Forum.
(END) NDP/MVB