Claims that girls have a 'natural' aversion to physics are harmful

By Maria Rossini.

Women have contributed a lot to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In the UK, a false narrative persists that science is a boys' subject and that girls lack the ability to study or work in science disciplines.

The UK parliament's Science and Technology Committee recently held an inquiry on diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The chair of the Social Mobility Commission said that girls in her school have a natural aversion to physics and hard mathematics.

The evidence shows that girls are just as capable as boys, with girls getting A*-C grades in their science and math exams compared to boys.