5.3.4 Women’s application in underrepresented subjects

The general admission statistics demonstrate a high overall representation of women in the institution, consistently forming a significant majority of admitted students (62.7% to 66.8% from 2021-2025). While this is a strong positive indicator, it's crucial to disaggregate this data to truly understand women's application patterns, particularly in subjects where they might be historically underrepresented.

The provided data does not show subject-specific application or admission numbers. Therefore, to address "Women’s application in underrepresented subjects (5.3.4)," the institution would need to:

1. Identify Underrepresented Subjects:

• Data Collection: The first and most critical step is to collect and analyze application and admission data broken down by specific academic programs, departments, or faculties. This will reveal which subjects or fields have a lower proportion of female applicants and admitted students relative to the overall institution's female representation, or relative to national/international benchmarks for those fields.

• Common Examples: Globally, subjects like engineering, computer science, physics, certain vocational trades, and some areas of business and finance often show lower female participation. The institution should identify its own specific "underrepresented subjects."

2. Investigate Barriers to Application:

• Once underrepresented subjects are identified, the next step is to understand why women are not applying to these fields in greater numbers. Potential barriers could include:

• Lack of Awareness/Exposure: Women may not be aware of the career opportunities or the nature of studying these subjects.

• Stereotypes and Bias: Persistent societal or cultural stereotypes about "male" and "female" subjects can deter women.

• Lack of Role Models: Insufficient visibility of successful women in these fields.

• Perceived Culture: Concerns about potentially unwelcoming or male-dominated classroom/work environments.

• Prior Educational Background: Gaps in secondary education or encouragement in certain subjects.

• Curriculum Design: Perceived relevance or teaching methods that might not appeal equally to all genders.

3. Develop Targeted Strategies to Boost Women's Applications in Underrepresented Subjects:

• Early Intervention & Outreach:

• School Outreach Programs: Partner with high schools to encourage female students to pursue foundational courses (e.g., advanced mathematics, physics, computing) relevant to underrepresented subjects.

• "Taster" Experiences: Organize workshops, summer camps, or open days specifically for young women to explore these subjects in an engaging and supportive environment.

• Meet & Greet Events: Connect prospective female students with current female students, faculty, and alumnae in these fields.

• Visibility and Role Models:

• Showcase Female Professionals: Feature successful female graduates and faculty members in underrepresented fields in marketing materials, recruitment events, and online platforms.

• Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship where current female students or professionals in these fields guide prospective or early-stage female applicants.

• Curriculum & Environment Review:

• Inclusive Curriculum Development: Review course content and teaching methodologies to ensure they are inclusive and appeal to a diverse student body.

• Promote Inclusive Culture: Actively work to create welcoming and supportive classroom and departmental cultures that address potential biases.

• Application Process Support:

• Dedicated Information Sessions: Host specific online or in-person sessions for women interested in underrepresented subjects, covering curriculum, career paths, and support systems.

• Application Guidance: Offer workshops or personalized advice on crafting applications for competitive underrepresented programs.

• Financial Incentives (if applicable):

• Scholarships: Create targeted scholarships for female applicants to specific underrepresented subjects to alleviate financial barriers and signal institutional commitment.

By taking these steps, the institution can move beyond general female admission success to strategically address specific pockets of underrepresentation, thereby ensuring a more equitable and diverse student body across all academic offerings.

Source: https://edservices.op.swu.ac.th/EdData