This weeks guest blogger is Kirsti Guttormsen from SI Molde, Norway. Here she considers the importance of getting more women into science and technology and shares ideas on how to do it!

Women and Girls in Science and Technology – this was a main topic at CSW 55, but who is developing the new technologies of today? Men outnumber women in science and math. In Western Europe and North America women make up only 20% of graduates in these fields , and the numbers decrease at every stage on the way to top positions, a phenomena also described as ”the leaky pipeline”.  The consequences are loss of talent and innovation, the development of less user-friendly products for women, and women losing out in an industry considered to have one of the highest growth rates (and most probably, high wages) in the future.

What can be done to improve this situation?

At the workshop ”Women at the top in science and technology”, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) presented their report ”Why so few”? which demonstrates the effects of societal beliefs and the learning environment on girls´ achievements and interest in science and math.

A few of the recommendations made by AAUW:

• Spread the word about the achievements of girls and women in math and science
• Teach girls that intellectual skills are acquired
• Teachers should make performance standards and expectations clear
• Offer introductory courses that appeal to students with different levels of preparation and background.
• Present the broad application of science and engineering to students at an early stage.
• Correct the biases among teachers, parents and others

Some examples:

• Summer school with on line contact with engineers and mentoring programs for middle school teachers (NASA)
• Focus on leadership, partnership and non-formal training
• Science camps for girls with hands-on coursework
• Mentoring programs for female students in science
• Role models such as Nobel laureates, CEOs in international technology companies and others
• Professional networks

When listening to these recommendations, I was convinced that Soroptimists have the capacity and ability to make a difference in this field. The long term theme of ” Education and Leadership” could be an excellent framework.  I have learned  that Soroptimists are role models in many aspects and that several clubs and unions already run mentoring programs and career days for girls on technology.  Such activities could inspire more Soroptimists to be active role models in fields related to technology.  And let us also exploit our opportunities to get through this important message that girls can succeed in science and technology.

Have your club run any programmes to get more girls and women into science and technology? Why do you think it is important? Please join the discussion on Facebook!