I am from Canada, not the UK, however this is my point of view.
We don't need women (or men for that matter) in any specific field. However they should be welcome there. What we do need is different points of view, and people who challange the accepted values of an industry, causing that field to grow.
Can this be done without women: of course! Is it easier with women: absolutely.
The skills some of you have listed, are skills that we learn as children. We so drastically treat our daughters and sons differently, then go on to wonder why after 15-20 years of those differences they choose different career paths.
Men are raised to feel entitled to opportunities, women are raised to believe they are lucky to have a chance at all...
If there is any reason women NEED to be in STEM (science and technology, I don't know what the acronym is exactly) fields it is not due to physiological differences (I can find a male more feminine than myself and vice versa biologically), its to allow future females to know it is acceptable to do this work.
However if you want to see change, you have to do 2 things:
1) Demand more household support from your spouse. If you are going to be equal at work you MUST be equal at home as well.
2) Treat your daughters and sons the same. Expect the same, emotionally, accademically and for the love of all things science keep them away from dolls and vanities, in search of how things work and understanding the universe.
If you push your children (regardless of sex) they will grow knowing what hard work is.
I'd also like to point out that Diane isn't wrong, yet is. We raise girls to care imensley about their physical appearance, and how "nice they are". However being nice stops you from throwing your weight in when big decisions are made.
There are clear advantages to being good looking (to a point) for both males and females. However if you are serious about your career then your looks and ability to connect with people should be seen as a tool to advance yourself and NOT more important.
I was once, similarily to Iyesomi, told "I was the lovely face welcoming Young Professionals to the IET" - However I was insulted. I am an attractive woman, which I do captilize on for my career. However I don't want to be the face I want to be the brain. My colleague mean't nothing bad by it, however it reminds me the perception even the most liberal males can have on the female priorities.
My favorite quote on the subject is "Well-behaved women – women who don’t whine – are not the ones who make history or policy." - JUDITH TIMSON
I'd also like to point out, that the only way we will ever solve this, is to start talking to the sexist men (and women) who believe in clear gender roles. We must see how they think, understand what they are saying the PROVE THEM WRONG using their own logic.
I am from Canada, not the UK, however this is my point of view.
We don't need women (or men for that matter) in any specific field. However they should be welcome there. What we do need is different points of view, and people who challange the accepted values of an industry, causing that field to grow.
Can this be done without women: of course! Is it easier with women: absolutely.
The skills some of you have listed, are skills that we learn as children. We so drastically treat our daughters and sons differently, then go on to wonder why after 15-20 years of those differences they choose different career paths.
Men are raised to feel entitled to opportunities, women are raised to believe they are lucky to have a chance at all...
If there is any reason women NEED to be in STEM (science and technology, I don't know what the acronym is exactly) fields it is not due to physiological differences (I can find a male more feminine than myself and vice versa biologically), its to allow future females to know it is acceptable to do this work.
However if you want to see change, you have to do 2 things:
1) Demand more household support from your spouse. If you are going to be equal at work you MUST be equal at home as well.
2) Treat your daughters and sons the same. Expect the same, emotionally, accademically and for the love of all things science keep them away from dolls and vanities, in search of how things work and understanding the universe.
If you push your children (regardless of sex) they will grow knowing what hard work is.
I'd also like to point out that Diane isn't wrong, yet is. We raise girls to care imensley about their physical appearance, and how "nice they are". However being nice stops you from throwing your weight in when big decisions are made.
There are clear advantages to being good looking (to a point) for both males and females. However if you are serious about your career then your looks and ability to connect with people should be seen as a tool to advance yourself and NOT more important.
I was once, similarily to Iyesomi, told "I was the lovely face welcoming Young Professionals to the IET" - However I was insulted. I am an attractive woman, which I do captilize on for my career. However I don't want to be the face I want to be the brain. My colleague mean't nothing bad by it, however it reminds me the perception even the most liberal males can have on the female priorities.
My favorite quote on the subject is "Well-behaved women – women who don’t whine – are not the ones who make history or policy." - JUDITH TIMSON
I'd also like to point out, that the only way we will ever solve this, is to start talking to the sexist men (and women) who believe in clear gender roles. We must see how they think, understand what they are saying the PROVE THEM WRONG using their own logic.
