Oral QuestionWomen and Equalities

“What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help increase the female workforce within STEM industries.”

Tabled: 30 October 2025Answered: 5 November 2025

Asked by

Kenneth Stevenson

Labour — Airdrie and Shotts

Answering Minister

the Minister for Women and Equalities

Answer from Hansard

The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)

Across Government, we are supporting a number of initiatives to increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering and maths. We have a target of 35% women’s participation in the advanced manufacturing sector. We are investing £18.2 million to ensure under-represented groups get the maths support they need in schools, and are working with schools to support them in developing a triple-science offer for all pupils ahead of introducing a statutory entitlement. A successful STEM sector is a diverse one, and it starts with inspiring the girls of today.