Women in science

Last week PXL invited female role models for the “women in science” event. We asked ourselves the question “what does it mean to be a woman in science?”

My favourite advise from the women: ?

1.??????Accept that there is no such thing as a perfect work-life balance.

Sometimes work needs all of your attention, sometimes family requires you to be there. Both are ok and you should not feel guilty to put your own priorities straight, as long as you communicate them clearly.

2.??????Don’t hold back.

There’s no reason to doubt your own abilities, or to think that your suggestions are inferior than those of your colleagues. Expressing constant self-doubt or downplaying yourself won’t help your career and your (great) ideas might get lost.

3.??????Don’t mind if you’re the only woman at the table.

I only partially agree with this one. You should not care that you’re the only woman at the table, because you are there for a reason. But it can be an uphill battle if you’re the only one with a different perspective or idea. It’s important to find your allies, people who are willing to listen to your ideas and support you, even if your ideas are unconventional.

Women are still underrepresented in the STEM field. That means women are missing out on career chances, but also that women are constantly underrepresented in research and business. Think about how it was only recently that we learned that women have other symptoms when experiencing heart failure compared to men. Diversity in both gender, age, academic background, ethnical background,… offer different perspectives and I firmly believe that diversity is an accelerator and driver for innovation.

So how do we attract more women in STEM?

1.??????Focus on the purpose

Explain how a girl or woman can make a difference thanks to technology, science or engineering. How does it help to improve human lives, or build a sustainable society? Don’t focus on the how, focus on the why!

2.??????Show role models – as often as you can!

3.??????Retire your old jokes

No, it’s not funny to tell your female students that we need more women in tech “because someone has to make the coffee”. It might be meant well, but it helps to keep the stereotypes alive. Tap into an entire new repertoire of jokes ??.?