Author: Trisha Gonzales
Gender Representation Among Scientists and Engineers in the EU (2017) In 2017, the European Union was home to nearly 18 million individuals working as scientists and engineers. A significant gender disparity was evident, with men comprising 59% of this workforce, while women represented 41%. Sectoral Breakdown of Gender Representation The distribution of male and female professionals varied across sectors: High and Medium-High Technology Manufacturing: This sector exhibited a stark gender imbalance, with men accounting for 83% of the workforce. Services Sector: Gender representation was more equitable, with men making up 55% and women 45%. Country-Specific Insights Some EU member states…
The Role of Iranian Women in STEM: Progress and Challenges The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on February 11, highlights the importance of equal access and participation in scientific fields. As we approach the 10th anniversary of this essential observance in 2025, this year’s theme, ‘Unpacking STEM careers: Her Voice in Science,’ focuses on the ongoing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Gender Disparities in STEM Despite advancements, a notable gender gap remains prevalent at all levels of STEM disciplines globally. Women and girls continue to face significant obstacles in pursuing careers in…
Ada Lovelace Day Faces Funding Challenges Amidst Ongoing Gender Inequality in STEM Ada Lovelace Day 2019 The final event of Ada Lovelace Day (ALD), an international celebration dedicated to women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), has been announced by its organizers. The reason for this unfortunate decision is cited as a significant lack of funding from corporate sponsors. According to the organizers, there exists a misleading belief that gender disparities within STEM sectors have been adequately addressed, which contributes to the diminishing support for such initiatives. Community Responses to the Announcement Chemical engineer Yasmin Ali, a past participant…
Women’s Representation in STEM: A Closer Look Overview of Women’s Participation in STEM Fields In recent decades, advancements have been made in women’s representation within various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Despite these developments, the increase has not been uniform across all disciplines. Engineering Occupations Engineering remains a critical segment of the STEM workforce, accounting for approximately 80% of STEM jobs. Here, women’s participation has seen notable growth. In 1970, women occupied just 3% of engineering roles, but this figure rose to 15% by 2019. This upward trend, although positive, indicates the ongoing challenges women face in…
The Journey of Women in STEM Academia From left to right: Professor Elizabete Carmo-Silva, Dr Ally Gormally-Sutton, Dr Rosa Letizia, and Dr Sophie Rawnsley-Lau Current Landscape of Women in STEM Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, as highlighted by the SHE Figures 2024 report from the Publications Office of the European Union. It cites that only 21.4% of doctoral graduates in STEM are female, and less than 33% of women occupy higher academic positions. In research-related roles across the EU, merely 34% are women, and just 26% lead decision-making in higher education. At the entry level, only 31% of STEM…
Celebrating Women in Science on International Women’s Day International Women’s Day, observed annually on 8 March, serves as a platform to recognize the accomplishments of women and promote the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Despite some critiques labeling it as merely performative, it remains crucial for raising awareness about barriers women face in science. Female scientists continue to publish less, receive fewer promotions, and encounter harassment, particularly those marginalized by race, disability, or sexual orientation. The Call for Action Activism is essential for fostering change within scientific institutions that have historically marginalized women. Jess Wade, a physicist at Imperial College…
Women in Science and Technology: A Growing Workforce in the EU In numerous EU Member States, women now equal or outnumber men in university-level education. This trend is particularly evident in the rise of female doctoral candidates, who have seen a significant growth rate compared to their male counterparts. But how does this educational shift reflect in the science and technology sectors? Current Employment Landscape As of 2020, the European Union employed nearly 73 million individuals in science and technology roles, with women comprising approximately 51.3% (about 37.5 million) of this workforce, while men accounted for 48.7% (around 35.5 million).…
WSU Celebrates Women in STEM with a Series of Events From March 18 to March 21, Washington State University (WSU) will host a comprehensive series of events dedicated to promoting women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This initiative, titled the Week of Women in STEM, aims to motivate students and facilitate networking and professional development opportunities with industry professionals. Event Overview The events are designed to inspire attendees and bridge the gap between students and seasoned professionals. Below is an overview of the scheduled events taking place across various WSU campuses: WSU Pullman Campus Work & Wellness Discussion*…
Recognizing Achievement: The 2025 Vietnam Female Students in Science and Technology Award On October 15, 2023, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee announced the esteemed winners of the 2025 Vietnam Female Students in Science and Technology Award. This honor, which dates back to 1997, aims to celebrate the accomplishments of female students in various scientific and technological fields. A Diverse Group of Talented Winners This year, 20 outstanding female students have been recognized for their academic excellence and active involvement in their communities. The awardees are notable for their dedication not only to their studies but also…
Gender Distribution Among Scientists and Engineers in the EU (2018) Overview As of 2018, the European Union’s workforce in scientific and engineering fields comprised nearly 15 million professionals, with men constituting 59% and women making up 41% of this group. Sector-Specific Insights The representation of men and women varies significantly across different sectors: Manufacturing: A notable 79% of scientists and engineers in this sector were men. Services Sector: A more balanced gender ratio was observed here, with 54% male and 46% female professionals. Gender Representation by Member States While the overall numbers reflect a male-dominated field, some EU member states…