Women In Science
South East Shows Women How To Succeed In Science
The British Association for the Advancement of Science is demonstrating how women are succeeding in the world of science and technology at this week’s Festival of Science. Three of the five British Science Festival Award winners are women and they are among the key speakers at the event, taking place in Guildford from 5-11 September.
Generally, the science, engineering and technology (SET) industry is dominated by male workers. The latest available figures for 2008 show that, while women are 45.1% of the overall workforce, they only account for 19% of those working in SET occupations.[1] However, interest among women in SET subjects has been growing. For example, around 35 per cent of those enrolling for, and graduating from, higher education courses in SET subjects in 2006/7 were women.
The South East, with the highest proportion of international science and technology-based businesses in the country, is seeing action to improve the presence of women in SET occupations. Amanda Nolte, Head of Research & Innovation at Science Oxford and a South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Women’s Enterprise Ambassador, is setting up peer mentoring groups for women in science and technology companies. “Preliminary research has shown that there is currently little support that specifically encourages women to set up their own SET-based company,” explains Amanda. “In addition, lack of suitable role models and confidence are often cited as reasons why very few women pursue this career option. The objectives of our project are to support the development and progress of women in SET careers and to encourage more women to set up a SET-based company.”
As well as the Award Lectures, the Science Festival has a huge range of other presentations and events, including some to entice young women into scientific and technological careers, like ‘Women doing science - She’s an astronomer’ which profiles the roles of female astronomers historical and current, and ‘Careers for girls – Speed networking’, which connects returners and sixth formers with practising STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professionals.
“Perseverance and determination are necessary for women who want to succeed in a male dominated world,” according to Sonia Blizzard, owner of Beaming Ltd, a niche ISP (Internet Service Provider) which provides high-quality broadband and telephony products to business customers nationally. Sonia needed the flexibility that came with being her own boss in order to look after her son who has special needs. Sonia explains, “I was inspired to set up the company because I would be selling technology that I believed in and use myself”. Beaming now has a turnover exceeding half a million pounds and employs 5 people.
Ed Metcalfe, Chief Scientific Adviser at SEEDA said: “The South East of England, with the highest proportion of the UK’s international science and technology-based businesses, supported by a world class knowledge base, is a globally competitive region. We welcome the opportunities that the BA Festival of Science will provide to showcase these strengths to the science community and a wider public. It is of key importance that we inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
SEEDA is committed to addressing the issues relating to women in business. If you would like to know more about its women’s enterprise Ambassadors programme please email Joanne Rogers at Joanne@prowse.co.uk. For all business advice and support contact Business Link on 0845 600 9 006 or click here to visit the website.
[1] UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology – SET occupation by gender and employment status in the UK, 2008 – based on figures from Office for National Statistics: Quarterly Labour Force Survey January-December, 2008.
