Summary

A female engineer and technical project manager reflects on the gender gap in STEM professions, emphasizing the need for gender diversity and equality in the workplace, particularly in technology.

Abstract

The author, a female engineer, shares her realization of the gender imbalance in her field during a meeting with space industry professionals. With only two women present, one in project management and herself as the technical expert, she contemplates the reasons behind the underrepresentation of women in STEM. She questions whether the disparity is due to a lack of competence, equal opportunities, or self-imposed limitations by women. The article discusses societal stereotypes, the need to challenge outdated beliefs, and the importance of empowering women to pursue careers in male-dominated fields. The author calls for a collective effort to promote gender balance and create a future where gender does not define one's capabilities or career choices.

Opinions

The author believes that women are competent and capable in STEM fields but are underrepresented due to systemic issues and societal norms.
She challenges the notion that the few women who have succeeded in traditionally male-dominated fields are mere exceptions rather than the norm.
The author suggests that women sometimes limit themselves based on societal expectations and traditional roles, such as being housewives or teachers.
She emphasizes that gender should not be a factor in determining career paths or capabilities.
The author calls for active promotion of gender balance and the breaking of stereotypes to ensure equal opportunities for women in all fields, especially in technology.
She advocates for a future where talent and passion are not hindered by gender biases, encouraging support for women to explore and excel in any domain they choose.

I’m a Female Engineer and Technical Project Manager

My musings on the gender gap in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professions

Thursday, 19:00:

It was a typical workday today. I had a meeting scheduled with prominent figures from the space industry, which is part of our routine progress reviews held every three months.

Usually, we conduct these meetings at our office, but this time, the number of attendees had grown significantly, prompting us to arrange it at a hotel. During this meeting, I suddenly realized out of 15 participants, only two of us were women and I was the only woman with a technical background (the other specialized only in project management).

I found myself pondering why I hadn’t noticed this gender imbalance before. I mean, we had already attended many similar meetings with comparable or even more pronounced disparities, where I was the sole female participant.

Upon reflection, I grasped the reason behind my newfound awareness. In those previous meetings, either they took place at our office, where other women were employed in different roles, albeit not in the meetings themselves, or there were only two or three of us in attendance, which didn’t accentuate the stark contrast.

This realization has prompted me to question the status quo regarding gender diversity in the workplace.

Are girls truly underrepresented due to a lack of competence? Or, Is it because they aren’t being offered equal opportunities? Or, Are they typecasting themselves and not seeking these opportunities?

I felt compelled to think about why this gender imbalance exists.

Many of you might be thinking –

“Here comes another feminist,” or Perhaps thinking of numerous examples of where women have made their mark.

Many women indeed excel in various fields, often cited as examples. But my friends,

What is their number? How many women are leading in different areas?

You can count them on your fingertips. Someone once wisely said,

Exceptions are not examples!

Furthermore, if you walk into a bank, or hospital, or engage with professionals in interior and fashion design, you’ll likely find many women in these fields, from small to high-ranking positions. However, when we discuss technology, there is a significant drop in the numbers.

Why is this the case? What are the reasons behind it? Are we lacking in competence? Is technology beyond our reach? Or are biases at play?

Sunday, 16:00:

I pose these questions to women who perceive themselves as less capable or weaker — who believe that this isn’t something they can achieve.

It is achievable. Everything is attainable if we desire it. It’s time to break free from our outdated belief system.

I couldn’t understand why I felt so uncomfortable after my realization during the meeting on Thursday. But yesterday, while talking to a friend about our office outing, I mentioned, we played paintball.

He replied,

“I know you’re very competitive. How was the game? Was it fun?”

And subconsciously, I replied,

“I am only competitive when someone challenges me or judges me based on my gender.”

That was the moment when I realized my discomfort stems from the feeling that women are constantly judged based on their gender, knowingly or unknowingly.

We must put an end to this. I want all of us to awaken, recognize our potential, and not be constrained by norms or traditions.

The notion that girls are only good in the kitchen, at designing, or as doctors still linger.

I remember my high school days when the biology and arts sections were filled with girls, while there were barely 10 girls in the mathematics and physics classes. Out of those, seven I know of chose to settle for a mediocre life as housewives or government school teachers. I am saying this after having deep conversations with them about their current situation and feelings about it.

It’s true, we have come a long way in evolving, from a time when girls were considered burdensome baggage. We have educated ourselves and become independent.

Now, it’s time for the next phase of evolution: breaking the stereotypes that limit girls to being doctors, architects, or fashion designers.

Parting words

Our journey towards gender equality is far from over. While we’ve made significant strides, we must acknowledge that there’s still work to be done. The gender imbalance in various fields, especially in technology, is a challenge that demands our attention.

We should empower women to pursue their interests and dreams without being constrained by outdated stereotypes. It’s time to recognize that gender should never be a factor in determining one’s capabilities.

We should encourage and support women to venture into fields where they are underrepresented, whether it’s technology, mathematics, or any other domain.

Let us remember that progress is not merely the absence of discrimination but the active promotion of gender balance. By breaking free from societal norms and biases, we can create a future where every individual, regardless of gender, can reach their fullest potential.

It’s time for the second round of evolution, where we shatter the glass ceilings and pave the way for a world where talent and passion know no gender boundaries. Together, we can build a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Love, Priyanka

Thank you for reading.

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