• Question: Do you think more needs to be done to encourage girls into careers in STEM subjects?

    Asked by Rukia to Angela, Claire, Ian, Robert, Sarah on 8 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Angela Stokes

      Angela Stokes answered on 8 Nov 2014:

      Hi 228chea38

      Interesting question!

      Science, technology, engineering and mathematics have long been seen as subjects traditionally studied by boys more than girls, however I think the tide is turning as evidenced by more girls entering the field of medicine and related careers having studied science to A level and beyond.

      I think biology as a subject has always been attractive to girls but engineering and chemistry are often seen as ‘dirty’ subjects – subjects where there is a possibility of getting messy or smelly. The word engineering itself conjures up ideas of engines and oil where these days there are many engineering careers which are actually ‘clinically clean’.

      I think we need to have more female ambassadors from the STEM subjects to go into schools and encourage uptake of STEM subjects by girls, but there also needs to be follow through of this type of initiative in the university setting as girls, having studied a STEM subject to degree level, seem to then take up alternative careers which in many cases is a loss to the science industry as a whole.

      So, in my opinion, we do need to do more, but things are improving and any additional work could only be beneficial.

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