LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL S.J.R. 7
6 Approved for Filing: G. Harb 6
6 01-17-24 8:46 AM 6
1 JOINT RESOLUTION PROMOTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR
2 WOMEN IN STEM
3 2024 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Kathleen A. Riebe
6 House Sponsor: Thomas W. Peterson
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This resolution recognizes the importance of expanding science, technology, education,
11 and math (STEM) opportunities for women.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 < highlights the underrepresentation of women in the STEM workforce; and
15 < encourages girls and young women in the state to pursue education and careers in
16 STEM occupations.
17 Special Clauses:
18 None
19
20 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
21 WHEREAS, throughout history, women have made extensive contributions in the areas
22 of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM);
23 WHEREAS, according to a report from the National Science Foundation, the STEM
24 workforce is one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy with a 20% increase in the
25 workforce between 2011 and 2021;
S.J.R. 7
26 WHEREAS, in 2021, nearly 24% of the United States workforce was employed in
27 STEM occupations;
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 S.J.R. 7 01-17-24 8:46 AM
28 WHEREAS, despite the overall increase in the STEM workforce, only 18% of women
29 in the United States workforce hold STEM occupations;
30 WHEREAS, of the STEM workforce in the United States, 35% consists of women,
31 compared to 65% consisting of men;
32 WHEREAS, according to a report from the Utah Women and Leadership Project, the
33 gender gap in the STEM workforce is much wider in Utah, with only 21% of the STEM
34 workforce consisting of women;
35 WHEREAS, encouraging girls and young women to pursue higher education in STEM
36 subjects is vital to increasing the number of women employed in the STEM workforce;
37 WHEREAS, data indicates that gender stereotypes may impact a young woman's
38 aspirations to pursue higher education in STEM subjects; and
39 WHEREAS, the state can help to close the gender gap in the STEM workforce by
40 dispelling stereotypes and promoting career opportunities for women in STEM occupations:
41 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
42 recognizes the importance of closing the gender gap in the STEM workforce and increasing
43 opportunities for women in STEM occupations.
44 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah encourages
45 girls and young women in Utah to explore STEM subjects, pursue higher education in
46 STEM-related fields, and work towards careers in STEM occupations.
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