Math anxiety is a significant factor contributing to the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly among female students, as it undermines their confidence and discourages them from pursuing careers in these fields. This anxiety, characterized by fear or discomfort when engaging with math-related tasks, often becomes a barrier for girls at a young age, leading to a disconnect from STEM subjects as they progress through their education. While societal and cultural factors, such as stereotypes and gender expectations, also play a role, addressing math anxiety presents a direct opportunity to reduce this gap. One promising solution is increasing the visibility of female role models in STEM to help mitigate the negative effects of math anxiety. By creating programs that intentionally connect young female students with successful women in STEM industries, this approach aims to provide inspiration and practical guidance. Hearing stories from women who have excelled in male-dominated fields helps demystify the path to STEM careers, offering mentorship and advice on overcoming challenges, including math anxiety. This early intervention can reshape how female students perceive their own capabilities in math, fostering confidence and a more positive attitude toward STEM. Through these structured connections, the study highlights the potential for reducing the gender gap by empowering girls at a younger age, ensuring they see STEM as a viable and accessible career path.
