Accenture: Lack of women in STEM careers

Accenture has published a survey stating that there exists a perception that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects and careers are more suited to men. 4000 girls, young women, parents, and teachers were surveyed. 51% of teachers surveyed and 43% of parents surveyed believed this perception to be the underlying explanation regarding the low uptake of women in STEM subjects and careers.

Responding to the survey, Naomi Climer, IET President-Elect, said: “Engineering is a hugely exciting and diverse career with the opportunity to do something life- or world-changing but the lack of women in the sector is a huge problem, contributing to skills shortages which damage the economy. The difficulty in attracting women into engineering is down to a combination of many things, including the image of engineers within the UK, careers advice girls are given in schools and the way that companies with engineering roles advertise their opportunities.”

“If we continue to fail to attract women into engineering, the UK will be in a significantly weakened position to find the 1.82 million engineers it is estimated the country will need by 2022. Women are missing out on interesting and rewarding career opportunities and industry is missing out on the innovation that comes with greater diversity in the workforce,” Climer added.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/17092015/accenture-lack-of-women-in-stem-careers-1421/