Women's Participation in Science and Technology in the World

The 21st century is witnessing the ever-increasing role of science and technology in all aspects of life. Science and technology offer the prospect of finding solutions for many global problems with a vital role for human beings. Women''s role is not so clear in this process، despite constituting half of the population، women are an underutilized talent. Women، in general do not have a strong presence in science and technology، as important factors for development. This is attributed to two broad issues: first، women’s perception of their own role and function in society، and second، society’s expectation of their contribution. Although women constitute a large proportion of undergraduate students in many countries، the number decreases at the higher levels and very few reach the top scientific positions. Gender difference also exists in the selection of academic fields. Women are more inclined towards the arts and social sciences than the natural sciences and engineering. In industry، women are more involved in jobs demanding physical labor، and very few are in the most rewarding positions that demand technical skills and creative minds. This paper reviews the limited literature available، and explores how women’s role in advancing and using science and technology can improve society. It also shows how science and technology impact، women'' position.