Interestingly, when it came to the parents, this drop in interest actually matches their expectations. The research found that 54 percent of the parents of boys believe that their son should opt for a technology related program, compared with only 26 per cent of the parents of girls. In addition, 70 percent of parents overall believed boys have greater interest in technology compared with less than one percent who thought the same for girls.

“If you look at the tech industry, you always see men playing computer games or coding […], you do not often see girls. In fact, I do not understand why we lack girls in this profession.” Louis, 15 years old

Having role models and support at home and in the classroom are key drivers for girls wanting to keep studying STEM subjects. Recent research from Microsoft shows the number of girls interested in STEM almost doubles when they have role models compared to those who do not. Girls with role models are also more passionate about STEM subjects and are more likely able to imagine themselves working in STEM.

At Microsoft, we are playing our part by running female-focused programs across the world aimed at increasing interest in STEM and building skills. Our DigiGirlz program gives young women the opportunities to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops. In Denmark, as well as celebrating the annual Girls Day in Science, we recently hosted a DigiGirlz/MakeWhatsNext event where kids were given the opportunity to try coding, participate in computer science workshops and hear from inspiring women already working in STEM.

“I think it has been so much fun, and I think the topics are exciting, to focus on the fact that there are not so many girls who choose STEM jobs. We have to remember that it’s not about what I can become as a girl, but what can I become, and look at all the options.” Mathilde, 15 years old

Without women working in STEM fields, which lie at the heart of modern innovation, hundreds of thousands of jobs could go unfilled and this lack of diversity risks limiting future innovation at a national level. That’s why The Think Tank DEA research provides a series of practical steps we can take collectively to sustain young people’s interest in STEM – from making STEM careers and role models more visible in school, to creating gender-neutral environment in classes to help both boys and girls feel engaged.

We all have a responsibility to foster enthusiasm for STEM subjects amongst the next generation of women. To celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we launched a Heads Up game to make female role models more visible and get girls engaged with STEM. If you have a girl in your life, download the free #MakeWhatsNext game to play!