There are a number of reasons why girls who are interested in STEM don’t pursue technology-related degrees. These consist of unfavorable stereotypes, lack of role models, discouragement, low self-confidence and fear of competing in a male-dominated industry. But here at Study International, we are recommends of encouraging women to believe in themselves and actively pursue an interest in tech.

Why girls should pursue technology-related degrees in Cambodia

In Cambodia, there were about 4.3 million people aged 15 to 29 in 2018 and only 5 percent of them signed up in tertiary education, according to STEM4 Women. Of that 5 percent, only 14 percent had been feminine, in comparison with 52 percent in Thailand and 48 percent in Malaysia.

The Royal Government of Cambodia, particularly the Ministry of Commerce, has stepped up efforts in recent years to strengthen the country’s e-commerce ecosystem including regulatory framework and strategy, such as passing the landmark 2019 E-commerce Law, a set of sub-decrees to ease registration for e-commerce-based businesses, the Consumer Protection Law to protect the rights of online shoppers and businesses and the recently launched E-commerce Strategy.

The UNDP is also working to reskill workers, support the onboarding of 1000 small and medium sized business into the e-commerce market and promote the adoption of e-commerce across the country through an advocacy campaign to create a robust regulatory environment with support from the Government of Australia.

Chea Ratha, president of Khmum eShop online shopping app, an information technology (IT) new venture that connects consumers and vendors on one marketplace platform, said that gender disparity exists at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. STEM4 Women empowers young vulnerable girls and women to access training in these subjects. She said women have made considerable strides in their involvement in higher education, but remain underrepresented in STEM disciplines.