France faces an urgent shortage of skilled engineers, prompting national programs to encourage more female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The “Girls and Math” initiative, part of the 2026 national budget alongside France 2030 and “Dare AI,” seeks to raise the proportion of women in STEM tracks from high school through preparatory classes for top engineering schools.
By 2026, the government aims for at least 20% female representation in these preparatory classes, with a target of 30% by 2030. Increasing women in STEM is not only a matter of equality but also a strategic move to ensure France’s competitiveness in global industries and innovation sectors.
Dominique Senequier’s Insight on Women in STEM
Dominique Senequier, founder and president of Ardian, and a regular on Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women in the World” list, supports the initiative. A member of École Polytechnique’s first mixed-gender class, she overcame barriers in a traditionally male-dominated finance sector, founding Ardian with $180 billion under management today. Her story highlights the transformative power of mentorship and role models in fostering female talent in STEM.
Family Support and Early Mentorship
Senequier emphasizes that family support is crucial. Her grandmother, a mathematics teacher, gave her geometry lessons every summer. Similarly, Ardian mentors students at Polytechnique to build confidence and encourage interest in STEM careers. Young women seeing active parental involvement are more likely to pursue engineering, creating a sustainable pipeline of female engineers.
Government Programs: From School to Industry
The “Girls and Math” program encourages girls to take advanced mathematics courses in high school. While initial interest is high—57% of girls choose scientific tracks—many abandon preparatory classes due to societal pressures and the competitive environment. Comprehensive support combining policy, mentorship, and early engagement is essential to retain female talent in STEM.
Challenges and Cultural Barriers
Preparatory classes are known for their intensity, which can discourage girls more than boys. Cultural perceptions, competitive atmospheres, and lack of role models contribute to lower retention rates of women in STEM fields. Addressing these barriers requires not only policy changes but also societal awareness and parental engagement.
University Pathways and Retention Strategies
Institutes like the Institut d’Optique offer bridge programs to ease transitions from undergraduate studies to engineering schools. Such pathways help retain women who might otherwise drop out, providing opportunities for continuous mentorship, networking, and academic support. This reinforces the importance of structured pipelines for women in STEM.
Women in STEM Beyond Education
Participation in STEM fields extends beyond education into industry and finance. Women remain underrepresented, particularly in private equity. Ardian ensures gender parity in its internship programs, achieving 50% female representation. By prioritizing teamwork, aptitude, and leadership potential, organizations can nurture inclusive environments and strengthen the overall workforce.
Mentorship and Role Models
Role models like Senequier provide guidance to young professionals and colleagues alike. Success in STEM relies on qualities such as leadership, collaboration, and confidence, not solely on gender or academic credentials. Mentorship programs reinforce these values, motivating women to persist in challenging careers and encouraging diversity across STEM sectors.
Corporate Responsibility and Gender Equality
Gender equality is integrated into Ardian’s ESG framework, evaluating pay equity, diversity, and inclusion before investments. Supporting women in STEM is a strategic decision that enhances performance while promoting fairness. Companies adopting such measures create environments where female talent can thrive and innovate, strengthening industry competitiveness.
Global Comparisons and Best Practices
Other countries have seen both progress and setbacks in female participation in STEM. France can learn from these global trends, ensuring policy, mentorship, and cultural interventions work in tandem. Programs like the ESCP “Women in Finance” research chair help understand underrepresentation and develop actionable solutions to increase female participation in both STEM and finance industries.
Success Stories and Inspirational Examples
Many women have broken barriers in STEM, demonstrating that early support and opportunities matter. From high school students participating in math competitions to female engineers leading research teams, these stories inspire the next generation and illustrate how mentorship and societal encouragement transform aspirations into achievements.
The Broader Impact on France’s Economy
Encouraging women in STEM is not only a matter of fairness but also an economic imperative. Increasing female participation can close skills gaps, boost innovation, and accelerate France’s industrial growth. More engineers mean a stronger, more competitive workforce capable of meeting global challenges.
Conclusion: Fostering a Sustainable STEM Workforce
Encouraging girls to pursue mathematics, engineering, and finance is essential for France’s sustainable development. Dominique Senequier’s journey exemplifies how mentorship, early engagement, and systemic support empower women to excel in STEM. By fostering gender diversity, France can maintain global competitiveness while promoting equality and unlocking the potential of all talented individuals.
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For authoritative external resources, visit: UNESCO: Women in Science.
