STEM subjects are the building blocks of the future, which help solve real-world problems, create new technologies, and improve lives.
But sadly, many girls still feel like STEM is not for them. They hear things that make them doubt themselves. They may believe false stories, also known as myths, that tell them they are not smart enough, not good at math, or that STEM is only for boys.
These myths are not true. They hold girls back from discovering careers that are exciting, creative, and full of opportunity. In this article, we will break down five of the most common myths that stop girls from joining STEM, and share the truth behind them.
Myth 1: “Girls Are Not Good at Math and Science”
The Truth: Girls are just as good at math and science as boys.
For many years, people believed that boys are naturally better at math and science. This is false. Many studies have shown that there is no difference in ability between boys and girls in math and science. What does make a difference is encouragement and confidence.
When girls are supported, taught well, and given chances to practice, they perform just as well, or sometimes even better, than boys in STEM subjects.
Famous women like Katherine Johnson, who calculated NASA’s first trip to space, and Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to win the top math prize in the world, prove that girls can excel in math and science.
When girls believe in themselves and are given the right support, they thrive in STEM.
Myth 2: “STEM Is a Boys’ World”
The Truth: STEM is for everyone, girls and boys.
Many people still picture a scientist, engineer, or coder as a man in a lab coat or sitting behind a computer. This old image does not match today’s world.
Women are leading in all areas of STEM. Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a Nigerian-British space scientist, is one of the top space researchers. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, an economist, uses math to solve problems for millions of people as the head of the World Trade Organization. Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu, the founder of Edufun Technik STEM Foundation, making an impact in STEM education in Nigeria, led a group of girls in 2018 to win the Technovation challenge.
Groups like She Code Africa, Girls Who Code, and Technovation Girls are helping girls break into technology, engineering, and science.
The truth is simple. STEM is for anyone curious, loves solving problems, and wants to build the future. It does not matter if you are a boy or a girl.
Myth 3: “STEM Careers Are Boring and Lonely”
The Truth: STEM jobs are exciting, creative, and about teamwork.
Some people think that STEM jobs mean sitting alone in a lab, typing code all day, or solving math problems in silence. This is completely wrong.
In real life, STEM careers are full of teamwork, creativity, and impact. Engineers work together to design bridges, hospitals, and electric cars. Scientists travel the world to explore wildlife or study oceans. Coders create apps, video games, and software that help people connect, learn, and grow.
STEM jobs are about solving real-world problems with others. Whether it is fighting climate change, inventing medical solutions, or building new technology, STEM is anything but boring.
Myth 4: “Girls Do Not Belong in Technology or Engineering”
The Truth: Girls belong anywhere they choose, including tech and engineering.
Technology and engineering have often been seen as male fields, but that is changing fast. Women are leading in artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, and software development.
Take Funke Opeke, founder of MainOne, who built Nigeria’s largest fiber optic internet cable to connect West Africa to the world. Or Ada Lovelace, who wrote the world’s first computer program before computers even existed.
The idea that girls cannot code, design, or invent is false. The truth is that when girls get the chance, they create amazing things.
Groups like Women in Tech Africa and Black Girls Code show how powerful and creative girls can be in tech.
Myth 5: “STEM Is Too Hard for Girls”
The Truth: STEM can be hard sometimes, but it is not harder for girls than for anyone else.
STEM subjects sometimes feel challenging. Math problems, coding errors, or failed experiments can be frustrating. But that does not mean it is too hard. Learning hard things is what makes STEM fun and rewarding.
Both boys and girls face challenges when learning. The key difference is how they are encouraged to keep going. When girls are told “You are smart” and “You can figure it out”, they grow in confidence and push through tough moments.
Failure is a normal part of STEM. Even the best scientists and engineers fail many times before they succeed. What matters is the willingness to try, learn, and try again.
Why These Myths Are Dangerous
These myths are not just words. They affect how girls see themselves. Girls who believe these false stories may avoid choosing math, science, or technology subjects. They may miss out on scholarships, jobs, and careers in fields that pay well and make a big impact.
When half the population, girls, is left out of STEM, the world loses smart ideas, creative solutions, and great inventions.
Breaking these myths is not just good for girls. It is good for everyone. A diverse STEM field means better solutions, better designs, and a better future for all.
How Parents and Educators Can Help
Parents and teachers play a huge role in breaking STEM myths.
First, encourage curiosity. If a girl asks, “Why is the sky blue?” or “How does a computer work?”, help her find the answer. Give her books, videos, or experiments to try.
Second, give girls role models. Share stories of women like Mae Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut, or Gitanjali Rao, a young scientist who created a device to detect lead in drinking water.
Third, support hands-on learning. Let girls join STEM clubs, coding classes, or science fairs. Hands-on learning builds confidence and shows that STEM is fun.
Finally, remind girls that making mistakes is okay. Whether it is a coding error or a failed experiment, mistakes are part of learning in STEM.
Conclusion
STEM is not only for boys. It is for anyone who loves to learn, solve problems, and build the future.
The myths that hold girls back are false. Girls are smart enough. Girls belong in labs, coding rooms, engineering sites, and space stations. Girls are needed in STEM because their ideas, creativity, and solutions improve the world.
Parents, teachers, and communities must work together to tear down these walls of false beliefs. With the right support, girls will rise, lead, and change the world through science, technology, engineering, and math.
The future needs more girls in STEM. And the truth is, they are ready.
