The problems that women pursuing careers in STEM fields, as well as why those problems need to be resolved, has already been discussed. But what can be done? What are tangible actions that can be taken in everyday situations?
Men specifically are an extremely important part of addressing this issue, because currently, they hold the power in STEM fields, meaning that they also have the potential to create significant change. While women are often spoken over and silenced when attempting to discuss their struggles in STEM fields, men are more likely to be heard and acknowledged.
The biases against women in STEM, and the facts that only 30% of researchers worldwide are women and only 24% of STEM jobs are held by women, aren’t easy fixes. A few women that are very determined to achieve gender equality, or even thousands, can’t change these things overnight. That’s why men, who typically unwillingly contribute to the struggles that women in STEM face, are obligated to help.
So what can men do to help women in STEM?
My simplest answer would be to shut up and listen. Women in STEM are constantly spoken over. It’s a huge part of the issue, that can be seen in microaggressions (such as when a woman tries explaining how to solve a problem, and a man interrupts her and then proceeds to say exactly what she was trying to) and in more significant events, such as women whose hard work was credited to men. What a man can do to help is to simply listen.
In meetings, make a conscious effort to let women speak instead of interrupting them. On social media, amplify the voices of women in STEM, and choose to follow platforms led by women in STEM to hear their voices. Implicit bias often leads to male voices being projected and listened to, so it’s essential to actively fight against this.
Being actively aware of the issue and acting in a way that will alleviate it is a huge part of being an ally to women in STEM. Taking note of the diversity (or lack thereof) in one’s space, and brainstorming ways that this can be improved, is how this can be done. Codes of conduct should be created in a way that will encourage diversity and make the environment welcoming to everyone, and should actually be enforced.
Men should educate themselves on the problems that women in STEM face and be prepared to step up and intervene if they observe one of those problems. Have conversations with colleagues about it. Call out overt discrimination as well as more discreet microagressions.
The takeaway, though, is to facilitate a change of mindset. A change of mindset in order to be able to recognize when misogyny is present in STEM environments. A change of mindset in order to understand what can be done about these problems. Becoming aware is the most important step.
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