According to UNESCO, only one in three scientists is a woman, accounting for just 35 per cent of graduates in the industry. Why is this so and is there anything we can do about it? For my day role, I took a trip to Toronto to attend a meeting with other women working in particularly, the environmental science field. During the trip, I had the unique opportunity to think and reflect on the diverse role of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) industries. It is not very popular for women to be working in top science-related jobs. And while there has been some measure of progress, we still have work to do. Thankfully, there is hope and with a few positive actions, we can foster lasting change.
February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and it is fast approaching. The day is a time to read and reflect on the role of women in science and their unique contributions to our society, including the ways that we can elevate girls in the field. To help with learning and action on this important day, I’ve rounded up some of the female perspectives on women in STEM and leadership that I gleaned from important discussions with another woman during my work trip. I was glad to see that the UNESCO Calls to Action to Close the Gender Gap for Women in Science also shares a few of these same ideas, sprinkled throughout their report.
How to Close the Gender Gap for Women in Science Fields
Encourage young girls to study STEM
Start them while they are young, and it is worthy of noting that this advice goes beyond participating on and off in the occasional class science experiment. Young girls should be nurtured to fully explore STEM and develop their skills. It involves engaging the parents and teachers (training the trainer) as catalysts for the learning advancement of these young people. Then, those girls with exceptional talent can eventually be encouraged to take it a step further by focusing on an area of further study that closely matches their unique skill sets.
Make role models visible in the industry
The media (television, radio, print publications and the internet) needs to highlight more scientists and researchers working on groundbreaking projects, being careful to also reiterate that these roles are not left for men and boys alone. In the past, the work of such women was largely undermined. I reflected upon the fact that there are not many female scientists whom I can identify that are recognized and in positions of prominence today. So, the media needs to do more. When young girls see females doing exemplary things and achieving big results, the more that they will be inspired to learn and achieve themselves. This will eventually create a ripple effect in the industry and boundless impact.
Share your voice on a local and global level
We need more women sitting on executive positions of relevant local and international organizations, and even in the federal, provincial and municipal government who can use the opportunity to take up space and open doors for women and girls coming up after them. As we advocate for our families, we can also rally support for our communities. Women in prominent positions of power are decision-makers who can create impact and influence the life trajectory of others. This and more, I discussed with my trip companion.
Women supporting each other is also key
There is a popular saying that goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go farther, go together” and it rings true in today’s modern society. We are all better when we work as a team. Women in science of high prominence do exist but they are few and far between, often working alone and in isolation. If all women can place the biases and prejudices that threaten to separate us or cause division aside, there is no limit to what they can achieve. Women ought to lend a helping hand to other women and foster a supportive environment where collaboration, communication and connection is the norm. These are ideas that slowly rose into my consciousness as I chatted with my trip companion.
Reflection on roles at the intersection of STEM and the arts
In recent years, I have observed a new term called STEAM has developed and which puts the ‘a’ in STEM and it stands for arts. It is quite an interesting mix. Having studied communications at the university level but now working in the environmental science and education field at my day job, I find the role incredibly fulfilling and enriching, both personally and professionally.
I’ve also discovered that the environmental education industry is mainly dominated by females, which makes sense since most teachers are women. And if so, we have a shared responsibility to upload the values that appeal to young girls seeking to fashion a future career in the sciences. However, I cannot help but think of women like myself who do not quite fit the traditional science roles, who deeply appreciate what science has to offer the world and but are more arts inclined and how amazing it is to be able to use art and communication to amplify science and research work. Basically, people like me are the go-to for scientists seeking to engage and introduce a broader audience to their work. We craft compelling messages, distill complex concepts into easy-to-understand language and employ a variety of creative media to spread awareness, including design.
As mentioned earlier above, we work better when we work together and I cannot help but think of that phrase as I reflect on the symbiotic relationship that describes the support I lend to amplifying experts in this industry and how they in-turn value and recognize my work — all the while inspiring younger generations. Girls should be encouraged to enter into science communication fields because it is just as important.
Book recommendation that merges environmental science and fiction
If you love environmental science and books but find it difficult to find a good book that merges the two, you might want to check out Blaze Island by Catherine Bush. I’m currently reading this book. It is a climate-themed novel set in the North Atlantic, revolving around Miranda and her father, a former climate scientist. A storm disrupts Miranda’s present and stirs up memory of the past. In the storm’s aftermath, her reality is altered and she is confronted with navigating both her relationship with her father and an uncertain future. So far, I am enjoying this prose. If you do pick up the book to read, let me know what you think about the narrative.
Have a Happy International Women’s Day!
How are you reflecting on February 11th and what will you commit to in ensuring that women and girls have an opportunity to advance in science?
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