Despite evidence of equal gender ability in maths at GCSE, there is an underrepresentation of girls pursuing maths post-16.

In 2018 only 39% of Maths A-Levels were taken by girls and only 28% Further Maths A-Levels. This limits their pathways into sectors such as finance, investment and STEM. Research demonstrates that UK gender norms suggesting that maths is a male subject is pervasive at all stages of education, diverting girls away from the subject and limiting their career possibilities. The under-representation of girls in maths matters both at an individual level and a societal level. It contributes towards the gender wage gap and limits women and girls’ financial mobility and economic power.

Our vision is that all girls are inspired to continue with Maths in order to expand their career options. Our inspirational role models help them feel confident they can excel in maths. We do this to encourage them to choose careers in finance, STEM, business, and the many other industries that need maths. This will improve their career prospects and increase female representation in these sectors.

With the support of the global membership organisation, 100 Women in Finance, we launched Maths4Girls in April 2020, with the aim to inspire and encourage girls aged 11-14 to feel confident to pursue maths beyond GCSE and even the gender playing field at A-level and beyond.

We do this by offering students the unique opportunity to connect with trailblazing female role models in the industries that use maths in their work, to gain an insight into their working life and receive advice on the qualifications and skills that are needed to be successful in today’s economy. This encourages students to see its relevance in the world of work and improve their confidence and attitudes towards maths in school, as well as preparing them for high impact careers in fast-growing companies.

"My daughter’s interaction with the Maths4Girls reps has completely changed her view on the value of maths - she is now considering doing maths A level. She also now understands how women are underrepresented in maths related occupations and sees how important it is to change that."

If you would like to be a Maths4Girls role model, register as a volunteer on our platform and select the Maths4Girls encounter type. If your organisation would like to be a pillar sponsor for Maths4Girls, please contact Melanie on [email protected] for more information.