Diverse and gender-equal leadership is crucial for creating workplace cultures where all can thrive.
” As the fourth industrial revolution starts, women still have less than two-third of the economic opportunity that men have. The jobs of the future will be driven by technology and innovation, and if the gender divide in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is not bridged soon, the overall gender gap is likely to widen.” UNWOMEN
The Facts
“With too few women in decision making roles and higher-paying STEM jobs, the gender gap in STEM has deep implications for the future of global economy. For instance, women stand to gain only one new STEM job for every 20 lost, in stark contrast to men, who gain one new STEM job for every four lost. Improved recruitment, retention and promotion policies, as well as continuous learning and up-skilling for women can go a long way towards closing this gap. ”
UNWOMEN
Less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women
< 20% of STEM leadership positions
3% of Nobel laureates in sciences
The THREE challenges on the Female STEM journey
Refer to: MEDIUM
1. Attracting her Intellect
Access to education appears to have improved with global female enrolment increasing in the last few decades, however multiple barriers hinder female education including prevailing cultural norms.
“Gender biases and stereotypes have steered women and girls away from science-related fields. The effects of these gender disparities ripple across workplace culture, policies and narratives, which can exclude or push out women and girls from the classroom to the C-suite”
2. Retaining Females in the WorkPlace
“Numerous studies have found that women in STEM fields publish less, are paid less for their research and do not progress as far as men in their careers.” UNESCO
“With inclusive workplaces serving as empowering environments, women scientists can focus on what’s important: unlocking their full potential as innovators for a better tomorrow.” MEDIUM
3. Redefining Reintegration
“Mothers retuning from extended leave benefit from programmes designed to ease transitions, adequate facilities and scheduling for breastfeeding and other maternal and child health needs, and on-site child care. And because the STEM fields change rapidly with scientific developments and technological innovations, women returning to work or entering the workforce need upskilling/re-skilling opportunities to stay abreast of the latest advancements and grow the pipeline of experienced and knowledgeable women professionals.” MEDIUM
