This Article is From Jun 23, 2015

Thanks Tim Hunt, Your Comments are Bringing More Women Into Science

Thanks Tim Hunt, Your Comments are Bringing More Women Into Science

File Photo: Nobel laureate Tim Hunt. (AFP Photo)

A couple of weeks have passed, yet the furore surrounding Tim Hunt's comments about women in science is still rumbling on. There has been a strong reaction from the science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) community, with many of them frustrated at the re-emergence of the tired and outdated gender stereotypes in the sector.

But if the perception of Stem careers is the main barrier stopping more women from pursuing the profession or excelling in the industry, what can we do to change the situation?

Breaking down the invisible wall
Inaccurate, outdated perceptions are the invisible wall shutting out thousands of talented women from these exciting and rewarding industries, and denying companies a diverse, talented workforce.

"Studies have shown that stereotypes may have a negative effect on the success of women in Stem," says Dr Nicola Irwin, a Royal Academy of Engineering enterprise fellow. "Girls are less likely to pursue Stem subjects at school , despite the fact their attainment is equal to, if not higher, than boys'. Similarly, stereotypes can contribute to a lack of professional confidence.

"It is frequently quoted that women only apply for new jobs or promotions if they think they fit 100% of the criteria , when men will apply if they only match 60%. Stereotypes about women's capacity to achieve can increase this effect, holding women back in Stem careers."

Stereotyping women might seem like a minor issue, but this casual sexism may have more of an impact than we realise. Having these stereotypes continually reinforced from a young age could encourage us to believe that a career in science or engineering is not for us.

"What people do is police themselves," says Professor Mary Evans, from the gender institute at the London School of Economics. "We interpret values and expectations, and seek to behave in ways that are acceptable. There are ways in which people take for granted what should be and what is."

We need new narratives
Evans is quick to point out that we do have the power to change gender stereotyping in Stem by teaching new narratives from a young age.

"Every profession has expectations and assumptions, but this is precisely the kind of space where there can be some negotiation," she adds.

"Stereotypes benefit no one," says Eileen O'Mara, senior vice-president of UK and Ireland at cloud computing company Salesforce.

O'Mara believes visible role models have an important role to play in breaking away from outdated assumptions that young people might have about particular industries.

"You can't be what you can't see - and if all you can see is a stereotype of an unglamorous woman who doesn't enjoy her job and never progresses into management, then of course girls and young women won't feel encouraged to study Stem subjects or pursue a related career," she says.

Joy Gardham, head of western Europe at tech firm Brocade, believes the answer lies in education, not only to change attitudes but also to teach women how to deal with stereotyping when it becomes a problem.

"Young women need more education on how to cope with stereotyping situations, where the default response is to say nothing out of politeness," Gardham says. "Our education system produces brilliant female scientists, mathematicians, engineers and coders, but we get little preparation for how to start an honest conversation with our peers about situations or comments that are wrong and which, now and then, catch us off guard."

The end of Stem stereotypes?
So if these tired stereotypes are so far off the mark, what is life really like for women working in Stem? If we're creating a new narrative around these industries, what does it look like?

"Stem offers great careers for women - diverse careers with the opportunity to travel, good earning potential and great job security," says leading nuclear engineer Dame Sue Ion.

"Far from the 'hardhats and clipboards' perception of my sphere, engineering, and the geeky image of science and IT, the diversification and democratisation of technology has broadened the scope that careers in Stem can offer."

Irwin believes that the best thing about working in a Stem industry is the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the world. "Many Stem careers are focused on addressing societal challenges," she says. "For example, through the development of medical equipment and therapies to save lives and treat disease, the design of safer cars and roads to reduce accidents, the creation of interactive software to improve education, or finding solutions to address the need for sustainable sources of energy."

The reality of working in Stem, concludes Gardham, is far from the picture painted by recent comments. She says: "Individuals who still hold those beliefs are decreasing in number, and anyone considering a career in technology or science should be encouraged by the uproar that followed Tim Hunt's comments that made one thing clear - stereotyping will not be tolerated in Stem any longer."
 
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