#IDWGS Essay: The importance of women in STEM leadership, challenges, and the way forward by Caroline Ulanmo

BACKGROUND

Around the world, there has always been a sizable gender disparity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Women are still underrepresented in these sectors even though they have made enormous strides toward increasing their participation in higher education. For the United Nations, gender equality has long been a fundamental concern. The advancement of all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as global economic development, will be greatly aided by gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. (UN Document on IDWGIS)

Worldwide, women comprise less than one-third of researchers and less than 35 percent of STEM graduates. Notwithstanding advancements made in leadership, entrepreneurship, and other areas at the local, regional, and national, women and girls continue to be disproportionately represented in the workforce due to issues like deep-rooted cultural and social norms, stereotypes, lack of faith in women’s capacities, and responsibility towards family.

The STEM areas would provide women with the information, skills, and professional opportunities they need to lead global transformation, yet they are still disproportionately underrepresented in these fields. At boards and in other leadership positions, the gender gap in the workforce is evident; for example, women in the energy sector are disproportionately outnumbered by men. According to a 2022 survey including 155 countries, men occupy 80% of senior managerial positions in the energy industry, also, within the power industry, women comprise just 14% of senior leadership roles and 5% of executive board membership (World Energy Transitions Report, 2022)

BENEFITS OF FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE

Women leaders in science inspire and empower other women and girls to pursue careers in science and technology by acting as mentors and role models. Economic development and growth can increase with the elimination of the gender gap in science and technology.

Everyone gains when more women are allowed to hold leadership positions. Several decades of research have demonstrated that female executives contribute to increased efficiency, improved teamwork, motivated employees, and equity. It is evident in nations like Denmark, Germany, Australia, Finland, etc that women leaders make a huge difference when given the chance.

In the advancement of science and health, several women have played pioneering roles. Among the most well-known was Florence Nightingale, a 19th-century Statistician who established modern Nursing and recognized the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in averting illness. Fe del Mundo was the first female student at Harvard Medical School, she was a Pediatrician from the Philippines who went on to accomplish groundbreaking work on infectious diseases, particularly dengue. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, born shortly after Florence Nightingale, taught herself French in order to enroll in the University of Sorbonne in Paris and earn a medical degree. She was the first female physician in Britain. Françoise Barré-Sinoussi's research on HIV was crucial in determining that the virus is the cause of AIDS, and Anne Szarewski's discovery of the etiology of cervical cancer in the 20th century resulted in the creation of the first HPV vaccination. Payne-Gaposchkin achieved numerous accolades in her life, including being the first woman to earn a PhD from Radcliffe College, becoming a professor at Harvard, and uncovering the composition of stars. (BBC Science Focus).

These remarkable women's success stories demonstrate the innovativeness and leadership potential of women. Four further justifications for thinking about women in leadership positions are listed below.

• Women Bring Fresh Perspectives

Women are capable of coming up with novel ideas and inventive plans that have the power to improve society, as demonstrated by several influential women. They are exceptional in generating unconventional ideas with great efficiency and competence.

Women Lead More Effectively

According to a global study, women over 40 years lead more skillfully and productively than males, particularly since most female managers must learn new skills to balance their personal and professional leadership responsibilities. When it comes to handling mishaps, and intricate situations, some males lack this advantage because their upbringing did not equip them with the skills necessary to solve problems in every situation (APA,2023).

Women Are More Empathetic

Women are more likely to handle the organization's affairs and lead more effectively by inspiring their team members and maintaining open, honest, and consistent communication. Compared to the harsh and occasionally repulsive tactics, this management style is more effective because it may motivate most employees' efforts and potential energy.

Women Make Amazing Mentors

Women have led numerous businesses and organizations and shown respect for coaching and mentoring abilities since they rely on polite treatment and agreement on the intersection of each employee's job needs and mistakes.

Hence, Women and Girls are driving forces in propelling scientific innovation and sustainability, ensuring more women and girls participate in STEM disciplines is a way to redefine and transform societies and this can be achieved through;

• Encouraging girls to choose careers in STEM and giving them access to relatable, successful STEM role models.
• Encourage women to pursue higher education, training, and careers.
• Create senior corporate leadership around gender equality.
• Treat every man and woman equally at work; uphold and respect human rights; refrain from prejudice.
• Protect each employee's health, safety, and well-being, regardless of gender.
• Encourage equality through activism and advocacy.
• Track and share data on the advancement of gender equality.

CONCLUSION

To achieve the necessary paradigm shift for development more quickly and effectively, gender parity in the STEM field should be encouraged to foster creativity and offer flexible solutions. Evidence-based approaches tailored to specific regions and sectors must be promoted to successfully address persistent gender inequalities. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on February 11 and serves as a reminder to the world to acknowledge and make efforts toward bridging the gender gap in technical fields.

About the Author

Caroline Ulanmo is an indigene of Delta State Nigeria. A passionate and dedicated Researcher, committed to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of women and children globally, she aims to advocate for gender balance, good health and well-being of those in rural and hard-to-reach communities, women and children empowerment, especially HIV positive children.