Just like any other region in the globe, gender disparities in STEM careers are equally observed in the Asia-Pacific region, and it is against this backdrop that this report on 'STEM Education for Girls and Women: Breaking Barrier and Exploring Gender Inequality in Asia' was written. The report showcases captivating case studies across eight countries in the region (India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam) covering the participation and interest of girls in STEM, STEM careers for girls and women and the experiences of women working in STEM. Although the case studies cannot be considered as a representation of what is happening in the entire Asia-Pacific region, they highlight the barriers and challenges that are likely to discourage girls from pursuing studies, and eventually careers, in STEM fields. This report permits the reader, whether they are a student, parent, teacher, school authority, policymaker, government authority, civil society organization, non-government organization, academic or in the private sector, to have a realistic picture of the differences in perception, motivation, and interest in STEM between male and female students.

The report further confronts the reader with some fascinating interventions that have successfully increased access to and participation of girls and women can be motivated to study and build careers in the STEM fields.