STEM industries challenged to attract more women
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INCREASING the number of women in science, engineering, technology and maths jobs would boost the Scottish economy, according to Europe’s largest engineers’ group.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology has raised concerns that the proportion of women in STEM jobs has not improved since 2008.
The issue was raised during the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Working Group inquiry, Lifting Barriers to Women in STEM: A Strategy for Scotland.
Professor John Roulston, chairman of the IET’s Scotland policy panel, said change is necessary to ensure Scotland makes full use of its available talent by tackling the under-representation of women.
"A STEM literate workforce is essential to Scotland’s medium and long-term economic strength," he said. "Society’s portrayal of engineering as a male career option must be reversed."
He added: "This is an industry challenge which requires public, private and third-sector solutions.
"Things that could be done include ensuring greater use of flexible working within companies, increased acceptance of career breaks and more use of part-time career roles. This would all help to make STEM roles more attractive to women."
