AbstractWomen have a history of under-achievement in science and science-based occupations, especially in developing countries. Many influences are responsible for this, including parental conditioning, school curricula, teachers' attitudes towards girls, and sociocultural patterns. These environmental situations must be changed if the present dominance of men in science is to reversed. Women can bring their caring nature to scientific practices and this needs to be encouraged. With properly planned strategies girls could be attracted to science-based occupations.