Celebrating careers guidance, National Careers Week provides resources for educators and is a great opportunity for young people to find out about the options available to them.
With so many different career paths available, it’s an ideal time for those preparing to leave education to think about what profession they might like to pursue.
But while not everyone exploring career avenues will have studied maths at a higher level, all jobs involve numbers in some way and an understanding of everyday numeracy is essential for being able to manage routine tasks both at work and at home.
National Numeracy research reveals women’s lack of confidence when applying for certain jobs
Shocking research from National Numeracy* however, shows that more women than men are put off from applying for a job if that role involves dealing with numbers and data.
We asked the following question in a recent survey:
If a job I was interested in listed "using numbers and data" as a requirement, it would put me off applying.
The results showed that 20% of men agreed or strongly agreed, while a staggering 35% of women agreed or strongly agreed.
Asking the same question in previous years has given similar results, always with more women than men agreeing with the statement.
Improving numeracy can drive social mobility and gender equality
Addressing the gender confidence gap when it comes to numbers is something we have long advocated at National Numeracy as we know women are just as capable as men when it comes to dealing with everyday maths.
Women avoiding applying for certain job roles can mean large sectors of some industries are missing or have a small female workforce, including key sectors of the UK economy.
Sam Sims, CEO of National Numeracy, said:
“At National Numeracy, we know there is a stark difference in overall confidence levels between men and women when it comes to numbers and maths.
“Number Confidence Week 2024 sought to address this disparity by focusing on gender and numeracy and aligning with the first pillar of our new strategy, Numeracy for Equality.
“This lack of confidence impacts career choices and earning potential, but by addressing lower levels of number confidence amongst women, we can see how improving numeracy can drive social mobility and gender equality.”
What can be done about the gender number confidence gap?
At National Numeracy, we know the gender number confidence gap is a huge issue that needs addressing urgently, which is why we launched the Gender Taskforce.
The Gender Taskforce comprises of a pioneering group of organisations who recognise that having low number confidence affects aspirations and limits educational and career choices.
On March 12 the Gender Taskforce will launch its Recommendations for Employers, which are designed to drive real change and ensure women and girls aren’t held back by outdated stereotypes or a lack of number confidence.
The Recommendations provide practical, actionable steps that businesses can take to help close the gender numeracy gap.
Join our celebrity ambassadors in helping to close the gender number confidence gap
Our celebrity ambassadors also recognise the importance of number confidence for women and girls, with Rachel Riley, Iona Bain and Katya Jones previously taking part in a Big Number Natter on the subject.
Together, we can make a difference and help create a more number confident future, which has benefits for individuals, businesses and the UK economy.
Photo: George Milton, Pexels
*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2117 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th - 20th December 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
