This has been a big week with World Engineering Day on 4th March, World Book Day on 7th March, International Women’s Day today and National Careers Week! For me these significant days remind me to do more to raise awareness of underrepresentation in STEM fields and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion.
This day has massive importance for me to celebrate the achievements and progress made by women YES, but to also acknowledge the challenges that women still face in the workplace.
It’s vital to expose children to diverse role models in their literature, especially in fields like engineering, science, and invention where women are underrepresented. By showcasing girls as engineers, scientists, and inventors, these books not only break stereotypes but also inspire young readers to explore their interests and potential careers in STEM. Representation matters, and these books play a crucial role in promoting gender equality and empowering all children to pursue their passions. I’ve shared a selection of our favourite books in the image that reinforce positive role models and create awareness of STEM in a fun way.
Improving and supporting diversity in the workplace has become a big focus for many campaigns at Campus Media. In 2013 Campus Media ran the first Women in Engineering & Technology event aimed at women STEM students offering support to thriving in a male-dominated industry. This event originated from a conversation initiated by several clients who struggled to attract female talent into their engineering & tech roles. During the first event, it was apparent from the questions asked by women during the discussions that their inherent nervousness was to enter the working world as a young woman where their colleagues would predominantly be white, middle-aged men. This annual event continues to be a valuable resource for students, advocating diversity in the STEM industry. It’s only through acknowledgment of the need for diversity in certain industries that we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for women to thrive professionally.
We know that representation and visibility are crucial for fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace, making these early talent events a great platform for companies to showcase diverse role models to share their experiences openly.
During the Women in Engineering & Technology event in November, we set out to educate attendees on the initiatives that organisations are investing in to create a supportive environment for their employees. We heard from a diverse mix of companies that have implemented support groups to provide a safe space for women to share their experiences, mentorship programs, and leadership development programs specifically tailored to support women and other underrepresented groups. These initiatives are what young women need to hear during their education to inspire them to see beyond gender ratios and stereotypes. It’s supportive communities that help to create a more inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and supported and can discuss their recommendations that bring about positive change in their workplace.
Speakers also shared the importance of engaging male allies in the workplace, which I feel will be a focus at this year’s event as it is a much larger discussion. Men can play a vital role in challenging biases, advocating for inclusive policies, and fostering an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued.
You can watch the full event here: https://www.campusmedia.co.uk/women-in-engineering-and-technology-2023/
It would be fantastic to have more male allies at the Women in Engineering and Technology event to help reinforce the importance of their role and encourage more men to actively participate in initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion.
So, this International Women’s Day I’m celebrating the positive impact of ED&I training and the efforts of individuals who champion diversity and inclusion to inspire others to join the cause and contribute to meaningful progress. We hope you will join us to hear from some of them at this year’s Women in Engineering & Technology event on 6th November.
Register to attend this free event: https://campusmedia.typeform.com/to/iqDl29Q5