Why an underrepresentation of women?

There are multiple reasons for the underrepresentation of women in science and engineering. Gender stereotypes, the lack of confidence of girls in their capacity in mathematics and scientific branches, absence of role models and a systematic loss of women during the academic path are the most important points.

Young girls

Specific actions are necessary in order to overcome the cultural issues constructing barriers against the choice of some fields by young girls. This level is very important and needs a special attention because it prepares also the reservoir for the upper levels. In order to make cultural changes in advanced industrial countries, it seems to be necessary to develop targeted programs for young girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields to encourage them to choose scientific and engineering fields. It is essential to give confidence to girls in their capacities in mathematics and scientific fields and to work with teachers, schools, and parents in order to shatter stereotypes and increase the number of girls choosing scientific and engineering fields.

Scientific women

The systematic loss of women during the academic path, called the leaky pipeline, has to be considered. A lack of tools and skills as well as the visibility and adequate networks act as obstacles for developing careers of scientific women. Gender unconscious bias as well as lack of general awareness about the gender issues are also barriers against the access of women to higher positions in academia.

Family friendly environment

Scientific women at the age of postdoctoral phase are also at the age when having children becomes urgent. Absence of flexibility within the academic system as well as the deficiency of structures to help to reconcile family life and work push many women to quit academia. Procedures should be established and measures undertaken at all levels in order to overcome these problems and guarantee equal opportunities and advancement of women in scientific and engineering fields.