In support of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Where Women Work takes a look at the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) sector, some impressive companies and the presence of women and their achievements.

As part of an ongoing agenda to encourage more women and girls into rewarding and challenging careers, Where Women Work supports companies that encourage more women into STEM careers and helps promote the wide range of amazing career opportunities on offer.

Science and innovation are appealing

At Thales there are some exciting scientific innovations underway. From Aerospace, Space, Transportation, Defence and Security, Thales have become European leaders in their field. And take GKN for example, who is developing innovative engineering solutions on a global scale. And the University of Sheffield continues to work on groundbreaking research, much of which is lead by incredible women.

“Too many girls are inadvertently shutting off their access to careers in science and engineering while still at school by dropping key science and maths subjects without realising the consequences.” says Helena Rivers, an Associate Director in mechanical engineering at AECOM - “With more information on an engineering career can offer, I am sure we can help build enthusiasm for these subjects. We need more women in engineering. It offers a great, flexible career for women and I believe having women in project teams enables us to achieve better results,” she explains.

Gender stereotypes in early years

There are many reasons why the gender gap in STEM subjects and careers is so disparate. Where Women Work recently looked into the early gender stereotypes created through toys, play and books through an interesting project carried out by the University of Sheffield.

Their 'Engineering Is’ campaign aimed to challenge the perceptions of engineering and inspire primary school children - particularly young girls - to consider studying engineering at university. This was built upon the success of a book called "The Crash Landing" written by members of the University of Sheffield's Women in Engineering Student Society.

More women needed in STEM

Many clients are continuing to support more females into careers in science. Speaking at the launch of their initiative ‘I Wish 2017’, Arup's Liam Luddy said “At Arup, it's really important to us to encourage the future generation to pursue careers in STEM. Engineering remains a typically male-dominated industry and we are very happy to support this initiative to make more females aware of the possibilities available to them by working in STEM.”

With gender equality a global priority at the UN, they invite everyone to strengthen their efforts to empower girls and women through and in science, as a foundation to take forward their 2030 Agenda.

To find out more about current STEM opportunities, take a look at some of our current vacancies with top employers.

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