Member Article

International Women’s Day: shifting perceptions about a STEM career

International Women’s Day, on 8th March 2022, is the perfect day to celebrate the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Over the years, STEM careers have been dominated by men, with women encouraged to opt for ‘softer’ subjects in higher education. However, attitudes are now changing, and there are more opportunities than ever for women who wish to pursue a career in STEM.

Elizabeth Swan, patent attorney in the life science and chemistry group at European intellectual property firm, Withers & Rogers, shares her thoughts and experiences.

Why is it important for women to be involved in STEM?

“Women have so much to offer in all aspects of life, including STEM. As half of the world’s population is female, it is vital that women take an active role in innovation and design. In the past this hasn’t been the case, leading to many things being designed by men, predominantly with men in mind, and therefore not working optimally for women. This even includes medicines and vital safety equipment such as seat belts. Involving women in STEM careers will help to prevent such gender bias and promote equality.”

What more can be done to encourage women to get involved in STEM?

“Reaching out to girls and young women at an early age is vital. The stereotypes that boys become engineers and professors, and girls become teachers and carers, are still evident. No career choice should be regarded as better than another, and it is important that girls and boys feel that all career paths are open to them, regardless of gender.

“More female STEM role models are needed to show girls that they can enjoy a successful career in science or engineering. As we have seen during the pandemic, science can help to solve some major problems for society, and women are already playing an important role.

“A perfect example is Professor Sarah Gilbert, a key figure behind the hugely successful Oxford/Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine, and a shining role model for STEM students of the future. Young people should be encouraged to follow her example, by exploring their own personal interests and determining a career path of their own choosing, rather than being steered in one direction or another.

“For those in the intellectual property (IP) industry like myself, diversity organisations, such as IP Inclusive, have an important role to play in demonstrating the range of STEM careers open to young people. Knowing that a support network exists can help to remove any worries that an individual might have about pursuing a career in an industry where there are few people of the same gender.”

Why do you think there are fewer women than men in STEM?

“Physical barriers have been removed, but there is still a perception that STEM subjects are more suited to men and this is hard to break down. Even now, only 35 percent of STEM students in higher education are women, with just 19 percent taking up engineering or computer science.

“Clearly, there is still a long way to go when it comes to gender equality. Perception is the real barrier to women entering into the world of STEM, but with more role models, it will become easier for women to cast aside any doubts they might have – conscious or subconscious – about choosing a STEM career.”

What has been your own experience as a woman in STEM?

“I’ve been keen on science from an early age, and was lucky to have the support at school and home to feel confident about choosing to chemistry at university. I also feel very lucky to have trained as a patent attorney, and have not experienced any discrimination on the grounds of my gender. However, there is still room for improvement in the world of IP and it would be nice to see more women represented at a senior level.

“I’ve also noticed that women entering the world of IP tend to focus on protecting innovations in the fields of life sciences and chemistry. By contrast, patent attorneys focused on engineering are mainly male. This may be because engineering is seen as a more ‘physical’ field – more evidence of stereotypes.”

What opportunities does STEM present for women?

“STEM is often perceived as a route to lab work or engineering, but in fact it can lead to many varied careers. For example, becoming a patent attorney isn’t an obvious choice for those thinking of a STEM career, but scientific knowledge and understanding are a critical part of the job. I apply these skills every day when advising clients about how to protect their innovations.

“Science can also do incredible things in fields such as public health or climate change, which makes it a worthwhile and attractive career path for many young people who prefer to work in a career where they can make a difference.

“We must hope that greater awareness of the benefits that science and innovation can bring for society will help to attract more young women to pursue a STEM career.”

Do you have any advice for young women looking to get involved in STEM?

“Go for it – a focus on STEM can open the door to diverse and fascinating careers while helping to solve some of the world’s most important problems such as the impact of climate change and protecting global health.

“Find a path that suits your interests and don’t be afraid to follow it. As well as getting started on a great career, you could inspire others to follow you and make a positive difference to the world.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Withers & Rogers .