By Natalie Desty – Founder, STEM Returners
As we celebrate International Women’s Day and aim to #InspireInclusion, I reflect on the progress made towards gender equality in STEM fields, and the stark reminder that we still have a long way to go.
Discrimination, inequity, and unwelcome prejudices remain a harsh reality for many women in STEM. Our 2023 STEM Returners Index revealed the career break penalty is still disproportionately affecting women.
“Women are most likely to take a career break to fulfil childcare responsibilities, with 47% of female survey respondents citing this as their primary reason, compared to just 17% of men.”
Our findings don’t just represent data; they represent missed opportunities, stifled innovation, and the ongoing loss of brilliant female talent.
At STEM Returners, we’re committed to turning the tide. We provide programmes to help women (and men) who’ve taken career breaks confidently re-enter the STEM workforce.
We cannot afford to lose these women. Their unique perspectives and talents are essential for solving the complex challenges facing our world. That’s why STEM Returners was founded – to create a bridge for brilliant STEM professionals to re-enter their respective industries. But we can’t do this alone. Systemic change is essential.
I urge every organisation, regardless of the field, to take a look at their policies, practices, and culture, and ask themselves:
- Are your recruitment processes actively working to mitigate unconscious bias?
- Do you offer flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance for all genders?
- Do senior leadership teams visibly champion and sponsor female talent? And…
- What can we do better?
It’s not just about policies; it’s about creating genuinely inclusive workplaces where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
The benefits of gender parity in STEM are undeniable. Companies with greater diversity innovate faster, make better decisions, and ultimately perform better. Investing in women isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.
The road ahead may be long, but the potential rewards compel us to act. Imagine a STEM landscape where women’s contributions are not hampered but unleashed, where their unique perspectives are sought after and valued at every level.
This International Women’s Day, let’s commit to decisive actions that move us closer to that vision. Collectively, let’s ensure that future generations of women in STEM face a world shaped by opportunity, not obstacles, and together, we can all #InspireInclusion.
Read our full 2023 STEM Returner Index here: https://www.stemreturners.com/the-stem-returners-index-2023/