Cambodia's STEM Gender Gap Persists, Women Account for Only 17% of Tertiary Students

PHNOM PENH, Sept 9, 2026 (KPT) — A persistent gender imbalance in Cambodia's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sector is underscored by a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) study, revealing that women account for only 17 percent of tertiary-level STEM students. The disparity is particularly pronounced in engineering and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) fields. The report, "Gender Dynamics and Disparities in Cambodia’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Sector," found that while women's overall participation in higher education has increased, this has not led to proportional gains in STEM enrollment. Data from the 2019 census cited in the study showed that among Cambodians aged 18 to 25, female participation in engineering and ICT was a mere 5 percent, compared to 22 percent for males. Key barriers identified include social expectations and family influence. Traditional norms often steer women toward fields like teaching, business, and healthcare, viewing technical disciplines as male domains. Some female students reported discouragement from relatives due to perceptions that STEM degrees are overly difficult or offer limited job prospects for women. Limited access to information about STEM pathways, especially in rural areas, also contributes to the gap. Insufficient exposure to career opportunities, combined with entrenched stereotypes, continues to restrict women's participation, the study stated. The disparity extends to the labor market. Seventy-seven percent of male STEM graduates secured their first job in a STEM-related field, compared to 68 percent of women. Women were also more likely to transition into non-STEM roles such as teaching and administration. Overall, 61 percent of employed male graduates worked in STEM-related jobs, versus 51 percent of women. Earnings also diverge. Men in STEM reported average monthly salaries of approximately $624, compared to $464 for women. Female workers earned less than men in non-STEM jobs as well. Workplace conditions further affect retention. The study highlighted gender discrimination, limited mentorship and networking opportunities, unequal promotion prospects, and competing childcare responsibilities as challenges to women's career progression. The ADB recommended coordinated action involving the government, schools, universities, parents, private industry, and development partners. Suggested measures include expanding practical STEM learning from an early age, strengthening career guidance, increasing rural STEM opportunities, and building industry partnerships for internships, scholarships, and jobs. The report concluded that closing Cambodia’s STEM gender gap requires action across both education and employment, with targeted measures to overcome social, workplace, and structural barriers.