Women in engineering - an interesting article suggested by Brian Bailey.

The first issue of CONNECTS (a resource for MEP engineers & contractors produced by Trimble) contains an interesting article on issues facing women in engineering.  The article outlines some of the reasons why women may not be attracted to careers in engineering, as well as some of the issues (and discrimination) faced by women who do work in the field.  The article includes results from a survey of female engineers via CV-Librarywhich found some rather disturbing figures, including:

• ~ 73% of female engineers believe that there is a problem with gender discrimination in the sector;

• ~63% of female engineers feel that they had been discrimated against with regards to job opportunities, and

• ~68% believe that men in the engineering industry actually encourage this discrimination.

For more information, the issue can be downloaded (after free registration) from here.

500 Women in Science

The 500 Women in Science is an initiative to not only promote inclusivity and equality within Science but also to promote the role of science in addressing the challenges that face society today. Their mission is "to promote a diverse and inclusive scientific community that  brings progressive science-based solutions to local and global challenges".   In the wake of the derogative, descriminatory presidential campaign in which Trump loudly trumpeted "anti-knowledge and anti-science" rhetoric, 500 Women in Science has re-vitalised their campaign.  With over 12,500 members globally, they welcome new members who are either women in science or supporters thereof.

Not only does 500 Women in Sciencew seek to support women working in science, but equally they seek to promote the role and relevancy of science more generally.  If you are interested in finding out more about their mission - or possibly even adding your voice of support -  visit their pledge page here.

Vice Chancellor's comments on greater transparency regarding visa applications by international students

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, Professor Graham Galbraith, was a guest blogger for the Higher Education Policy Institute this week.  In his blog entry, Professor Graham Galbraith argued that  publication of the number and success rate of visa applications for international students would help inform universities, international students, the government and the public alike.  The likely losers in this scenario would be those who seek to manipulate public opinion via the concept or scare tactic of international students exploiting or gaming the system.  The full post can be read here.

Given that international students are becoming an increasingly important source of income for universities, due to decreased government funding, sharing information about successful visa applications is obviously in the best interest of the universities.  Additionally, increased income from overseas students could also be beneficial for domestic students as a means of counteracting the need for increased fees.  Economical aspects aside, increasing the number of international students would seem like a positive step from a philosphical or aspirational perspective.  Not only would this increase diversity within universities, expose students to a broader range of views and experiences, but it could also potentially contribute to creating additional opportunities for the international students and their local communities on the student's return home. Viewed from that perspective, one wonders why the government is opposed to greater transparency?

From Equality in STEM to Inequality in wealth distribution

Whilst the primary function of this blog is to focus on activities, articles or ideas to promote equality and diversity in STEM subjects, this post raises the question of wealth inequality and how this poses a challenge to achieveing equality within society more generally.

An OXFAM report published today reveals that the 8 richest people have a net worth equal to that of the poorest 50% of the world's population.  The World Economic Forum (WEF) also identified rising inequality in wealth and income the greatest risk to the global economy for 2017.  Furthermore, the disparity between the world's richest and poorest has become more pronounced from previous reports.  As the saying goes "the rich get richer whilst the poor get poorer".   Ironically, one of the potential impacts of the increasing disparity in wealth is increased support for more radical political parties resulting in further racial discrimination and increased inequalities.

The OXFAM report highlights that the current economic policies reinforce this trend and calls for major reforms of ecomonic and political systems.  Examples of good practices in this area can be seen in the WEF's Inclusive growth and development report, 2017  .    One of the key aims of such practices is not only to promote more even distribution of wealth between rich and poor, but also to ensure gender equality in it's distribution. As highlighted in The Global Gender Gap Report (WEF 2016), there is a strong bias against women with regards to wealth distribution.  This not only incorporates issues such as wage discrimination, an greater tendency for women to work in part-time or lower paid roles, but also differences associated with unpaid work, such as raising children or taking care of older relatives.  Some examples of good practice relating to reducing gender bias in wealth distribution are briefly explored in this article from the WEF Davos convention (which is being held this week).

Overcoming issues in wealth distribution isn't simply a matter of politics, it requires fundamental changes in society.  Personally, I believe that until everyone has access to quality education at all levels, regardless of country, race, gender or socioeconomic status, AND the necessary resources (food, shelter, support) to capitalise on that education, then there will always be inequalities in society.  Even with equal access to education, there are a myriad of other social factors that can influence the opportunities available to a person, whether that be in regard to wealth, employment, social interactions or probably any other indicator of health, wealth or status that you can think of.  OXFAM state that "it's time to build a human economy that benefits everyone, not just the privileged few", however, perhaps it is time to re-build human society rather than focus on the economy. Perhaps the focus on economy, wealth and material gain is actually part of the mindset that needs to change?