Today, 11 February, marks the 10th anniversary since the establishment of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. On this day, we recognise the critical roles females play in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and take the opportunity to raise awareness and encourage equal access and participation in these fields for women and girls. Fostering diversity and collaboration are important to achieve global sustainable development goals. A diverse group of individuals offers varied perspectives, experiences, thoughts, and passions to scientific research, leading to improved outcomes.
The gender gap in STEM is a systemic issue that has been present from the educational stage through to the workplace. Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields worldwide. According to the Office for National Statistics, women make up just about 26% of the workforce in science, research, engineering and technology in the UK with even lower percentages in two of the most profitable fields – computer science (17%) and engineering (11%) – which are key fields for advancements in sustainability development.
Though progress has been made in addressing the gender gap, some of the issues that are still present are highlighted below including remedial action that can be taken.
Lack of female role models: The continued underrepresentation of women in STEM leadership positions has made it challenging for women and girls to find role models and mentors. During a survey conducted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), people were asked to name a woman in STEM, with only 8% naming a woman who has made significant contributions in these fields. Increasing the visibility of female role models, through talks by female professionals at schools and universities, could help to narrow the gender gap. Interaction with and hearing about real-life examples of successful women in STEM would inspire the next generation of girls and women looking to pursue a career in STEM fields.
Recruitment and workplace biases: Unconscious biases during the hiring process, including job advertisements, may discourage women from applying for certain jobs. This extends to the promotion opportunities available to women, with women often feeling that they may need to leave their job to get a promotion. Research grants can also be offered under different terms and conditions, putting men generally ahead in this area. Organisations have a responsibility to improve workplace awareness of these issues and implement steps to a more gender balanced workforce. Organisations can limit the effect of these biases through education on how to deal with unconscious biases and how to foster positive gender roles in the workplace. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace can help more women participate in STEM.
Considering the above we highlight inspiring women in leadership in science. Acknowledging their impact on sustainability and recognising their ambition to addressing environmental and social issues. Being awarded Young Champions of the Earth, they can be an inspiration to women and girls in STEM.
Nzambi Matee
Nzambi is a material science major, engineer and entrepreneur from Kenya who previously worked in the country’s oil industry. Becoming tired of constantly seeing plastic pollution in the streets of Nairobi, Nzambi started a small laboratory in her mother’s backyard to tackle the plastic pollution issue. She founded and is the head of Gjenge Makers – a community-focused enterprise with a mission to develop sustainable alternative building products. The company transforms plastic waste into alternative paving bricks, reducing waste going to landfills and ending up on the streets. Matee motivates other young people to address environmental challenges within local communities. Her message is – “The negative impact we are having on the environment is huge… Start with whatever local solution you can find and be consistent with it. The results will be amazing.”
Xiaoyuan Ren
Xiaoyuan is the founder of MyH2O Water Information Network which is helping to address the water crisis in rural China. Xiaoyuan has a double masters in environmental engineering and technology and policy. During her research on rural water usage in India, she became determined to tackle the water issue in rural China. Her project, MyH2O, is a data platform that maps the quality of groundwater across rural China and helps residents know where to find clean water. The project also serves as a bridge between these communities and companies/non-profit organisations that can provide water solutions. Ren works with young volunteers who test groundwater quality in various villages and said, “We work with students studying science, technology, engineering and medicine. They will go on to develop careers in these fields and create solutions to some of the environmental problems they have seen while working with us.”
It is clear, from research and surveys, that women are underrepresented in STEM fields. Organisations have their part to play in addressing some of the more common issues that have been highlighted but it is promising to see the examples of women who are making positive change in their countries. We congratulate all those women who have made a positive impact in their field and encourage all to improve their understanding the issues women face in STEM fields including actions that can be taken to make positive changes.
