Prompting women to choose science and technology
The field of science and technology remains a male-dominated one. The major 'culprits' for female exclusion in the field of science, engineering and technology (SET) are stereotypes reinforcing male dominance in the workplace and a lack of or limited access to role models. The latter have the potential to restore the balance by providing accurate information regarding career choice and obstacles that may present along the way. The 'Information for a choice: Empowering young women through learning for technical professions and science careers' (IFAC) project worked to address the issue of choice and low female participation in SET. The target group was girls at high school in the process of considering career paths and further academic study. Through the design and creation of an information technology (IT) system, project partners worked to provide accurate information and present role models who can act as mentors to young women. The IT information tool, which enables access to young women and ensures sustainable results, is useful for internal and external dissemination as well as for presenting role model cases. Studies conducted by each participating country provided information on the status quo of women represented in SET and offered a comparative analysis. Materials on best practices and past projects were collected, and together with survey and workshop outputs, used as input for the production of a policy paper. The latter offers instrumental guidance for policy improvements and for encouraging the participation of women as well as their continuing employment in SET careers. The consortium published a final report titled 'Promoting young women in SET: lessons learned. A cross-national analysis of past research projects'. Project partners successfully realised dissemination goals through a variety of channels and activities, which are continuing in participating countries. These efforts work to make IFAC known as well as increase the awareness of target audiences.
