Women in STEM: Changing perceptions is crucial

Shaping perceptions of STEM careers as early as age seven is crucial for increasing female representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It’s not just about encouraging girls to pursue STEM; it’s about creating an ecosystem where they can thrive.

At a recent conference, the East Midlands Institute of Technology hosted an inspiring session based on Women in STEM – Addressing Gender Inequality, offering invaluable insights into how we can drive change.

This session featured Dr Ghazal Vahidi and Donna Otchere from SiStem UK, a platform dedicated to connecting women in STEM, and highlighted issues that are just as relevant in Lancashire and Cumbria as they are in other regions across the UK, where women continue to be underrepresented in engineering, technology and senior STEM roles.

Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM roles 

The Lancashire and Cumbria IoT is addressing the barriers by encouraging women into STEM careers

Understanding the challenges and the barriers women in STEM face

Dr Vahidi, Senior Lecturer in Careers and Employability at the University of Derby, outlined the structural barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential in STEM.

She explained that these obstacles are not about ability or ambition, but systemic issues embedded in education and employment, such as:

  • Horizontal segregation: Women are more likely to pursue careers in healthcare and life sciences, while men dominate engineering, IT, and physics.
  • Vertical segregation: Fewer women progress to senior or leadership positions within STEM fields.
  • Career filters: Informal networks, recruitment practices, and limited access to mentors shape career paths from the outset, often disadvantaging women.
 

Dr Vahidi also highlighted the importance of early intervention. Career attitudes form as early as ages seven to nine, meaning schools, colleges, employers, and parents in Lancashire and Cumbria have a crucial role in shaping girls’ perceptions of STEM opportunities.

Mentorship, exposure to employers, and visible female role models were identified as key strategies in breaking down these barriers.

The power of role models

 Donna Otchere, a PhD student at Loughborough University, shared her own journey as a black British woman in engineering, a story that could resonate for girls and young women in our region.

Stereotypes, isolation, and limited visibility of role models are challenges we see locally in Lancashire and Cumbria, particularly in rural areas and traditionally male-dominated industries.

Donna co-founded SiStem UK to address these issues by building supportive networks, showcasing diverse role models, and highlighting pathways into STEM careers.

Her message is clear: showcasing diverse role models, building supportive networks, and connecting young women with employers can change the trajectory for young women looking to start a career in STEM. 

How Lancashire and Cumbria can lead the way

By embracing these lessons, Lancashire and Cumbria can take proactive steps toward reducing the gender gap in STEM across our region, and empower the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, and engineering. Here’s how we can make a real impact:

  1. Start Early: Schools in our region can introduce STEM role models and hands-on projects from a young age, particularly in primary schools, to spark interest and build confidence in girls.
  2. Engage Parents: Parents play a key role in shaping attitudes toward STEM careers. By providing resources and success stories, we can challenge stereotypes at home and encourage girls to pursue STEM with confidence.
  3. Highlight Local Role Models: Women from our region working in engineering, technology, and science should be highlighted in schools, career events, and online platforms.
  4. Provide Mentorship and Networking: Local businesses, colleges, and universities can support young women and women already working in STEM fields.
  5. Promote Diversity in Leadership: To ensure long-term change, it’s essential that women progress into leadership roles within STEM fields. This will create a sustainable pipeline of mentors and role models for future generations.


By learning from these insights, Lancashire and Cumbria can take meaningful steps  toward gender equity in STEM, ensuring that young women here have the same opportunities to succeed as anywhere else in the UK.

Schools, businesses and community groups keen to inspire young women in STEM are encouraged to connect with the Lancashire and Cumbria IoT.

Together, we can create a future where gender equity in STEM is not just a goal but a reality. 

For more information, or to get involved email employer@landciot.ac.uk