DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN LABOR FORCE PARTCIPATION IN STEM OCCUPATIONS

ABSTRACT While traditionally men have made up a sizable majority of individuals employed in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the participation percentage of women in these fields is relatively low. The objective of this study is to analyse the type of working environment desired by women in order to encourage them to enter in and survive the STEM industry. The study conducted a number of systematic literature reviews on women and the STEM work environment. This review is guided by the PRISMA Statement review method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyzes). A systematic literature review, conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science database, identified 17 relevant past studies. Further analysis of these articles resulted in two main themes being identified; namely psychosocial working environment and physical working environment. The two themes were further analysed into a total of 11 sub-themes. Several recommendations are highlighted for future qualitative studies to be conducted on the working environment, on encouraging working women to participate in the STEM industry and on women employees sustaining themselves in the industry. Keywords: working environment, women, joining, sustaining, STEM