Newsweek   

A slew of recent studies show that the problem for women in math and science is related to something both larger and more nuanced: culture. In high school, girls only take 17 percent of computer-science AP tests. They earn only 18 percent of computer and information-science degrees in college, and they make up just under a quarter of computer and math professionals. There has been much debate about why women are so underrepresented, including controversial discussions about potential innate differences between men and women when it comes to scientific or mathematical ability, but the bottom line is that the gender gap persists. In an attempt to decrease the discrepancy, Texas Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson proposed an independent bill aimed at strengthening women’s achievement in math and science; it prompted enough debate among the House Committee on Science and Technology that she had to withdraw it.

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