The 2023 Empowering Women in Industry Conference, with its remarkable leaders, recognizes that diversity and gender equality are not just performative buzzwords, but are the cornerstones of progress. Among them were Jill Miller, the innovative Founder and CEO of Lunum, Daryl Estill, a Project Manager at TDIndustries, and Shannon Bumgarner, STEMinist and Airside Channel Support Leader at Trane Technologies. During the “Gender Equality: How Do You Measure That?” panel, the panelists highlighted the concerning trend of stagnation and decline in women’s enrollment in STEM fields since 2018, which was further exacerbated by the challenges brought on by the pandemic. To address this issue and pave the way for gender equality in STEM, the panelists proposed several strategies and initiatives through a data lens.
Representation Disparities:
The underrepresentation of women in STEM presents a great opportunity to create change.
For every ten electrical engineers, only one is a woman. This disparity is not merely numerical; it signifies a lack of diverse perspectives, hindering the holistic development of innovative solutions. Moreover, within the broader context of the U.S. Producer Manufacturing Industry, where groundbreaking innovations come to life, only 31% of the workforce is female. When we break down these numbers, it becomes evident that there is a significant gap: only 7% are Asian, 8% Hispanic, and 12% Black women. This intersectionality of gender and ethnicity underscores the urgency to address the multifaceted barriers faced by women of color in STEM.
Within the intricate web of engineering disciplines, where the ratio of men to women remains skewed, there lies an untapped well of potential and creativity. Imagine the transformative impact that diverse perspectives could bring, enhancing the development of innovative solutions that cater to the needs of all.
Stagnation in Senior Positions:
The stagnation of women in higher-ranking positions within STEM fields is another concerning aspect illuminated by the data. In 2018, only 22%% of jobs held by women were in Management roles or higher. While there has been a marginal improvement in 2023, the progress is far from adequate. This stagnation not only hampers the career growth of women but also perpetuates a cycle where mentorship, recognition, and opportunities for leadership remain elusive. Consequently, the vast pool of talent and expertise that women bring to STEM fields remains underutilized.
A Path to Progress:
The persistence of these challenges in 2023 is not a testament to our failure but a reminder of the work yet to be done. The data shared at the conference is not just information; it is a call to embrace diversity not as a checkbox to fill but as a force that propels us forward. The 2023 Empowering Women in Industry Conference cast a revealing light on the persistent disparities, but it also demonstrated that mentorship is the cornerstone upon which careers are built. Breaking this cycle requires a collective effort: experienced professionals reaching out to guide the next generation, organizations establishing mentorship programs, and aspiring women seeking mentorship. Mentorship not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates a supportive ecosystem where aspirations are nurtured. Organizations must become bastions of equality, where every voice, regardless of gender, resonates and contributes to the collective success. By addressing implicit biases, creating mentorship programs, and nurturing inclusive company cultures, women can unlock their full potential in the workforce.
