Progress has been made toward gender parity in science fields. But explicit and implicit barriers still hold women back from advancing in the same numbers as men to the upper reaches of STEM academia.
Recognition: The University of Waterloo’s associate physics professor Donna Strickland after being awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize for Physics.
EPA/Warren Toda
Donna Strickland is the first woman in 55 years to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. Let’s hope the next such award to a woman won’t take so long.
Boys and girls perform about the same in STEM at school so why the gender gap later in life?
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Large gaps in the representation of women in science careers later in life are not due to lack of ability in the classroom.
The culture of science is premised on the idea that there are no barriers; that everybody is treated equally as long as they put in the effort.
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Parliament has a problem retaining experienced women – and so does science. Working in STEMM places women in an ideological dilemma that is exhausting to confront, and feels impossible to change.
We need female role models in the NSW physics syllabus to normalise women in physics and encourage their engagement and further study.
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If you already write for The Conversation, thank you! But less than 30% of story pitches to our Science and Technology section come from women.
Science societies are a vital part of research life, creating vital networking, grant and leadership opportunities for researchers.
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The young membership, frequency of elections and relaxed networks in science societies may provide vital positive influence for female promotion in STEM.
The Homeward Bound initiative works with women in science to enhance their opportunity to take up leadership roles globally.
Oli Samson
This year 77 women took part in the largest all-female expedition to Antarctica as part of a leadership training program. Rough weather enroute put group decision-making skills to the test.
Will they disrupt the tech sector?
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Americans’ widespread belief that they live in a meritocracy where anyone can get ahead actually makes inequality even worse, particularly in terms of gender.
Women and people of colour experience “chilly climates” at academic science conferences.
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While much is being done to increase the number of women working in science, new research shows it could take many, many years to reach parity with men.
Companies should listen to both male and female employees on this issue and pay attention to any backlash.
Women are underrepresented in academic science. New research finds the problem is even worse in terms of who authors high-profile journal articles – bad news for women’s career advancement.
Many black women scientists feel isolated or worry about being “perfect” to impress their peers.
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Not much attention has been given to how mothers who want to attend workshops and conferences are supported. This simple intervention can boost the presence of women in science.
Women are making inroads in the gaming industry but progress is slow. We need more flexible workplaces, and perhaps even hiring quotas, to fix the gender imbalance.