How to add diversity to the STEM sector
First Women Exclusives · February 2, 2016
With indications pointing to qualifications in STEM being in record demand, inspiring young people from an early age in such subjects is essential, whether they go on to work in a STEM-related career or not, according Yvonne Baker, CEO of Myscience.
Ultimately, Britain can’t afford to discriminate, she claimed. After all, it was suggested by Ofsted in 2011 that girls have better educational outcomes than boys at the age of 16 and a higher proportion of young women continue their education to degree level. More women also have higher educational qualifications than men up to the age of 44. This success in educational terms, however, does not translate into similar advantages in terms of long-term career status and pay.
And while young children are natural inventors and engineers, Baker said, too often, girls in particular can find encouragement lacking. This is driven by outdated ideas from parents, and sometimes teachers, on what manufacturing or engineering is – or their own lack of confidence with mathematics and science.
To find out why Baker believes part of the problem is a persistent stereotype which makes the industry less appealing to women, read the full article on Real Business.
