A NEW report on how Scotland can increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has been endorsed by the First Minister.
Equate Scotland, an organisation that works to promote and support women in STEM, conducted a national survey with more than 1,100 responses from girls, women, educators and employers involved in all four fields, to ask them what they think should be done to boost the numbers of women.
The figures revealed that more than 70 per cent want regular talks in all schools across Scotland from STEM industry experts, over half want dedicated science ambassadors allocated to school, and more than three in five (68 per cent) want women’s STEM networks in universities and colleges.
Almost 70 per cent of those asked would like flexible working to be standard practice in industry, more than three in five say industry placements should become a standard part of all undergraduate degrees, and half want to see a Scotland wide campaign launched to promote STEM careers.
Talat Yaqoob, director of Equate Scotland said: “Only 18 per cent of computing students and only 16 per cent of engineering students are women. If Scotland is going to be a global competitor in STEM and create a sustainable STEM industry, this needs to change and quickly. We need a more inclusive STEM sector, not simply for the sake of the industry but for women, who are at risk of being shut out of the jobs of the future.
“What our research reveals is that women, educators and employers are eager for progress in this area – we hope the report provides a roadmap of what can be done to make Scotland a world leader on Women in STEM and we look forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government.”
Equate Scotland is celebrating 10 years of supporting and encouraging women into STEM. Since 2006, Equate Scotland has provided support to over 5,000 women studying or employed in STEM and worked with almost 300 STEM companies to improve their employment practices for women.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “Equate Scotland has done a huge amount of work over the past decade to encourage more women to study and pursue careers in STEM subjects. Their report shows that women are enthusiastic about opportunities in the sector but still face barriers.
“That is why the Scottish Government has committed to developing a STEM strategy to inspire more young people to consider a career in STEM. It will also specifically consider how we can encourage and get girls enthusiastic about subjects like physics where they are currently under-represented. I’m delighted this government has been able to support Equate Scotland to deliver their important programmes and we will continue to work with them to bring about a positive change in the sector.”
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