Member Article

Women in STEM: changing perceptions

Lack of opportunities to see positive role models and unhelpful gender stereotyping are just a few of the issues that hold back girls from involvement in scientific and technical careers.

The figures for women’s participation in the UK’s scientific and technical workforce remain stubbornly low, with just 13% of scientific and technical roles held by women. If the UK is to avoid a crippling skill shortages in the future, it is essential that girls are persuaded to take STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) at school and then pursue careers in these fields.

The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is a network of women engineers, scientists and technologists which offers inspiration, support and professional development, and campaigns to encourage women to participate and achieve as engineers, scientists and as leaders.

Changing perceptions

Rebecca Broadbent, a member of WES and a committed campaigner for women in STEM says it’s partly down to perception. “Recent research has highlighted the disconnect between female students’ enjoyment of science and ideas about a career in science with many girls seeing science and engineering as careers that are ’not for them’. Improving discussions around STEM and engaging students with STEM subjects in a meaningful way is incredibly important if we are to enable the future generations to make informed decisions about their own future.“

The Further Maths Support Programme is a government-backed initiative to support maths teaching in schools. It’s Gender Co-ordinator, Claire Baldwin, has worked on a range of projects specifically to increase participation in A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics by girls, which the Programme sees as one of its top priorities. Claire Baldwin says: “The Further Mathematics Support Programme (FMSP) aims to promote the uptake of AS and A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics to all students, particularly to girls, who are currently under represented.“

Positve role models

Jasmin Evans is currently one of only two girls on her Physics degree course at the University of Central Lancashire. She stresses the importance of strong role models. “Positive role models are hugely influential, and a little out-of-the-box thinking can go a long way. From the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova, to Grace Hopper, a pioneer in computer science, to groups such as STEMettes which organise hackathons and panel events - girls having opportunities to meet those with the power to inspire can have life-changing impact.“

Jasmin also stresses the effects of stereotyping: “Gender stereotyping at any age is so harmful to the outlook of not just girls but boys too as they progress through education.“

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Rebecca Broadbent and Claire Baldwin will be speaking at the STEMtech Conference, 29th April in London.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Helen Culwick .