News / Women in STEM
Female STEM pioneers pledge to tackle gender gap in the sector
Research shows that most UK adults are unable to name a single living female scientist.
Just one in four jobs in science, tech, engineerig and maths (STEM) are held by women – and they don’t always have the smoothest journey.
Marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the female tech and engineering pioneers in Bristol have pledged to address the stark gender gap and make the sector more attractive to women.
Marjolein Meinders from Scarlet Therapeutics is one of a number of women based in the Science Creates business ecosystem in St Philip’s.
“As a woman in a leadership role, I take great joy in showcasing the diverse opportunities available in biotech to inspire future scientists,” said Meinders.
Female tech and engineering pioneers in Bristol have pledged to address the stark gender gap and make the sector more attractive to women – photo: Science Creates
Science Creates is home to 41 science and tech firms and runs an outreach programme to inspire the next generation of scientists, tech experts and engineers and make the workforce more diverse.
Charlie Proctor, chief executive of Science Creates Outreach, said: “Building a diverse and confident STEM workforce is vital. It is crucial to diversify the faces of science by empowering girls with their own scientific potential. By joining our workshops, children are equipped with essential skills to tackle future challenges.
“And all in a unique location at the heart of Science Creates’ Old Market incubator, where visiting groups are surrounded by inspiring examples of the critical work that scientists do.”
Metro mayor Dan Norris visited the incubator in a bid to shine a light on women in STEM. “The number of talented women working in STEM in the West of England is continuing to grow. That’s something to be really proud of,” said Norris.
“But there’s still a perception that these subjects and career options are for men which is something that needs addressing. In fact, I’m determined to show that’s not true whatsoever, and am pleased to be making that case at Science Creates who really have gone above and beyond in terms of working towards reaching gender parity.”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris says the number of talented women working in STEM in the West of England is continuing to grow – photo: WECA
Speaking to Bristol24/7 on the importance of female visibility in the engineering sector, Miranda Housden, regional director at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West, said: “The visibility of female engineers is vital in attracting more girls into civil engineering because ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. Teenage girls need female role models so they can recognise the opportunities available in civil engineering and imagine themselves working in our profession.
“The ICE is committed to getting more girls to become civil engineers and has an ongoing education and engagement campaign to inspire the next generation of female engineers.”
“The visibility of female engineers is vital in attracting more girls into engineering” – Miranda Housden – photo: ICE
On the initiatives in place to attract more female engineers to the sector, she said: “In Bristol, ICE South West is launching a new workshop for 16-18s at the Sparks building in the city centre. This free activity will be led by female engineers, who will share their experiences of working in incredible jobs across sectors such as energy, water, and transport.”
Housden expressed her optimism on the future of the sector with increased participation of women, saying: “Change is happening. The ICE’s overall female membership has almost doubled over the last 15 years, from 8.4 per cent to 16.3 per cent.
“If you look at our members under the age of 40, 23 per cent of them are women. And 24.1 per cent of trainees (members on an active ICE training agreement) are also women.”
Main photo: Science Creates
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