Empowering women in STEM: breaking barriers and inspiring innovation
In a world driven by technology and innovation, the contributions of women in STEM fields are indispensable. However, the challenges faced by women in STEM are still considerable.
Even now, STEM fields are harder to access for women and girls and breaking down the preconceived notions and gender stereotypes is taking generations.
Luckily, organisations like the Royal Air Force’s Youth & STEM Team, the Defence Nuclear Enterprises Inspire & Attract Team, She Can Engineer and STEM Learning are helping, hand in hand with us at Hyett Education, to bring STEM education to the forefront of girls minds during their education and early careers.
Working with girls during their early education has been shown to encourage girls to pursue STEM subjects and is working to provide resources and information to help bridge the gender gap.
For this generation and the next, seeing women in STEM careers is vital. Which is why the work of women like Beth Clarke needs to remain front and centre of the media.
Beth Clarke, EngTech MBCS
Beth is a proud and huge contributor to STEM. An astrophysicist turned award-winning software test and quality engineer, with a passion for diversity and inclusion in all things STEM.
Beth is an excellent role model for any girl wanting to enter the world of STEM, proving to the world that SHE can.
After completing an Astrophysics degree, she went on to enroll in a Software Developer Apprenticeship so she could retrain and enter the tech world.
Now a passionate advocate for improving diversity in the STEM sector, Beth is going on to become an official delegate for UN Women UK at the upcoming 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)!
Currently, Women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce globally, with even lower figures in specific regions: 24% in the United States, 17% in the European Union, 16% in Japan, and 14% in India.
To address these challenges and foster diversity in STEM, it's imperative we all work together to:
Encourage girls to pursue STEM education
Create inclusive, equitable workplaces
Promote female role models
Implement mentorship programs focused on career and skill enhancement
Educate male leaders to become allies
Offer professional development opportunities tailored for future leaders
Address structural barriers, including policy changes, reforming hiring practices, supporting work-life balance, addressing pay equity, and others
Increase funding opportunities for women scientists, researchers, and innovators
Promote visibility and recognition by acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of women in STEM
As we recognise important women in STEM, like Beth, on International Women's Day 2024, it's crucial we continue fostering an inclusive environment. We want to help pave the way for a future where women play an even more significant role in shaping the world through science, technology, engineering and maths.
What are we doing at Hyett Education to support this mission?
We’re privileged to work alongside the Royal Air Force and Defence Nuclear Enterprise to facilitate inspiring STEM workshops for young girls and women. These organisations generously fund events that provide exciting opportunities for female students to participate and discover a passion for STEM.
And it has a meaningful impact too:
“This whole thing is life changing, I can’t believe I’ve had the privilege to do this and I’ve had too much fun! Thank you”
- Georgia W, Year 7 @ Holyrood Academy, Chard. Georgia took part in the RAF Mighty Minds workshop funded by RAF Youth & STEM and delivered by Hyett Education on Thursday 7th March 2024.
We will continue to support the mission of encouraging more female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and we’re extremely proud to be able to have a meaningful, positive impact on so many young students who take part in these workshop experiences.
UK schools can apply to receive a funded workshop via our Funded STEM workshops page.