With just over a week to go until the Women in STEM conference in London, we have a bespoke Q&A with Tatiana de Berg, Women in STEM Programme Manager.
Tatiana discusses what to expect from the day, challenges facing women in STEM and the importance of having men as allies.
Q: Can you give our readers an overview of what they can expect from the 2019 Women in STEM Conference?
The Women in STEM Conference will provide attendees with the opportunity to evaluate how education providers and employers can work effectively to enhance the participation, recruitment and advancement of Women in STEM. A total of 21 speakers will deliver key policy updates and best practice insights on the latest developments for enhancing diversity in STEM industries, supporting pipeline progression and ensuring improved uptake of girls and women entering STEM education and careers.
Q: What will be the highlights of this year’s event?
It’s hard to pinpoint one highlight for this year’s event. A big highlight for me will be Dr Katie Perry from the Daphne Jackson Trust chairing the day. She’s very engaging and motivational, I’m positive that she will inspire many of those attending on the day. Another highlight is the two themed streams in the afternoon. This is the first time we’ve streamed the conference and I’m sure it will provide a platform for more in depth sector discussions, with tailored sessions and expert speakers for each stream.
Q: Why is it so important to encourage girls to start a career in STEM subjects?
It’s SO important to encourage girls to start a career in STEM subjects! We must try and close the gender gap in current STEM positions, this requires fixing the leaky pipeline by supporting girl’s progression, from education to a career in STEM. Girls should never feel unable to start a career in STEM due to their gender and it is my hope that in the future all girls will have equal opportunities to pursue whatever career they want. We also have to remember that men are our allies – together we can make the biggest difference.
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Q: How important do you feel female role models are to the younger generation?
Female role models are extremely important to the younger generation. They provide examples of successful and strong women to motivate and inspire those who might be unsure about their future career. I think mentoring is extremely important in supporting the younger generation. Mentors can help support younger people through their education and into their eventual career. Having someone to look up to and guide you can be invaluable for younger people. Female role models show the younger generation exactly what they can achieve and provide a source of inspiration and guidance, which might otherwise be hard to find.
Q: What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing Women in STEM?
I feel one of the biggest challenges facing Women in STEM now is true equality of opportunity. Whilst the support for Women in STEM is continually increasing this must be reflected in the opportunities available to them. The key to this is a joint effort from not only women, but men, in order to change the perception of Women advancing in the STEM field. One of the crucial ways to change this perception is through continued efforts to narrow the gender pay gap. Another big challenge facing women in STEM is career progression. This is also linked with equality of opportunity and perception; more companies need to cultivate and retain female talent so that we see more women in senior positions.
Q: Do you feel there is enough information/opportunities for the next generation to be encouraged to have a career in the industry?
Opportunities and information for the next generation of Women in the STEM industry is becoming more and more abundant. Many of the organisations that support female career progression in STEM are speaking at our Conference. There are so many other companies and organisations that also support women in STEM, too many to fit onto our agenda. But, there is always room for more and I think it’s great that more and more big companies are coming up with exciting initiatives to engage with Women in STEM. You can also check out our twitter page @WomenInSTEM19 where we post lots of useful resources and the latest updates on Women in STEM.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking of attending the conference but has not yet got a ticket?
Check out our website and if you like what you see then book on now! We have limited tickets left for what promises to be an inspiring and very special day. If you want to know more about how you can help encourage girls and support women in their STEM journey, then the conference is the best place to be.
