Early career training and gender equality

Be a STEMinist: Advocate for Women in STEM Careers and Leadership I identify as a STEMinist: ↳This means that I advocate for women and girls to have access to education, mentorship, and leadership in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math and medicine. Why do I speak loudly today? The World Economic Forum shares devastating statistics: - Women represent 49.3% of employment in non-STEM fields but only 29.2% of the STEM workforce. - Early career attrition is significant, with many women leaving STEM roles within one year of graduating. - The leadership gap in STEM is bleak: women make up 29.4% of entry-level roles but just 12.4% of C-Suite executives. As a female brain doctor and advocate for women in STEM and leadership, I’m passionate about breaking barriers and building pathways for the next generation of #WomenInSTEM  Here are key insights and actionable steps to empower women in STEM: 1. Start Early: ↳Gender stereotypes in STEM begin young. By age six, many girls associate intelligence with boys. ↳Early education must challenge these biases with messages like "STEM is for everyone." ↳Representation in media, like strong girl STEM characters, can inspire lifelong curiosity. 2. Inspiration & Mentorship Matter: ↳Companies and institutions should create mentorship programs connecting young women with STEM professionals. ↳Role models who’ve overcome challenges can ignite passion and confidence in pursuing STEM careers. 3. Hands-On Experience is Key: ↳Practical opportunities—internships, workshops, and site visits—help solidify STEM interests. ↳Collaboration between businesses and schools to align curricula with industry trends ensures graduates are career-ready. 4. Inclusive Cultures Retain Talent: ↳ Retention is as necessary as recruitment. Inclusive workplaces, free from bias and visible diversity in leadership, foster an environment where women thrive. 5. Digital Accessibility: ↳In emerging economies, unequal access to digital tools and training holds girls back. Bridging this gap is essential for a truly diverse global STEM workforce. 6. Leverage Online Learning: ↳Flexible, credentialed programs allow women to balance education with caregiving and other responsibilities. ↳Women are enrolling in online STEM courses at higher rates and developing skills faster than ever. 7. Embrace Remote Work: ↳Hybrid models and skills-based hiring create new opportunities for women to excel in STEM careers and leadership. Closing gender gaps in STEM is not just about equity and equality; it’s about building a better future for innovation, engagement, and workplace cultures. How are you advocating for gender equity in STEM? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #WomenInSTEM #Leadership #DiversityInTech #WomenLeaders #STEMinist

It’s no secret that men outnumber women in #STEM careers. Even though entry-level hiring numbers have been improving, women still hold only 34% of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) roles, with larger gaps for the highest-paid and fastest-growing jobs. Progress toward #parity is plateauing. And even when women are hired into STEM roles, many often leave the field early. Why can’t employers hold onto these sought-after hires? We know the first years of a woman’s STEM career are crucial to her long-term success – and the success of her employer. I’m thrilled to share that the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association recently teamed up with the brilliant minds at AdaMarie and dove deep into this issue to identify the challenges and discuss solutions. The product of this collaboration is available for you to download today: “Bridge Skills: The Missing Piece in the STEM Pipeline.” https://lnkd.in/eMnxBxTb A testament to our commitment to change, this white paper was architected by AdaMarie’s Head of DEI, Sara Sanford, PMP, MPA and includes key insights from myself and the HBA’s Chief People and DEI Officer, Nikki Jones, SHRM-CP and AdaMarie CEO, Rebecca Tierney. The paper sheds light on the pivotal early years of women's STEM careers and reveals actionable insights and best practices that are crucial for closing the "Bridge Skills" gap—a gap that, if addressed, can significantly enhance the retention and success of women in STEM fields. This paper is more than just research; it's a roadmap for employers, educators, and professionals to foster a more inclusive and equitable STEM landscape. It's an invitation to explore the untapped potential of women in STEM and the benefits that gender equity brings to innovation and growth. Please download, read, and share the paper… Let it be a catalyst for discussion within your organizations, academic circles, and beyond. Your engagement and feedback are invaluable to us as we strive to make a meaningful impact for women in the business of healthcare. Together, we can bridge the gap and pave the way for a more equitable future…let’s turn these insights into action! #HBAImpact #HowWomenLead #Inclusion #GenderEquity #DiversityInSTEM #WomenInSTEM #BridgeSkills

How fantastic to see Federal Budget (2024-2025), from the Honourable Brendan O'Connor that focus on transforming skilled trades. It is a budget that is also a win for gender equality & economic growth The latest Federal Budget handed down last night marks a significant milestone in addressing skill shortages while enhancing gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields like construction and manufacturing. With an investment of $55.6 million over four years through the Building Women’s Careers program, the government is not only tackling the immediate skills gap but also pioneering substantial structural and cultural shifts towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce. This strategic focus is not just about filling positions but enriching our economy through diversity. Studies and real-world examples have consistently shown that diverse teams are not only more innovative but also drive better financial outcomes. As we bridge the gender gap in sectors like clean energy and technology, we contribute to a robust economic future built on the principles of equality and inclusivity. As someone who is dedicated to increasing female representation in skilled trades through the Empowered Women In Trades (EWIT) Group mission to see the stark 3% transform to an ambitious 30%—I see this budget as a beacon of progress. It aligns perfectly with our mission at Empowered Women in Trades, reinforcing our initiatives and amplifying our impact. By fostering an environment where women thrive, we aren't just supporting women; we're investing in our economic resilience and future-proofing our industries. Let’s continue to champion these changes and create opportunities that benefit everyone. Together, we can transform our workplaces into hubs of innovation and inclusivity. #GenderEquality #SkilledTrades #FederalBudget #EconomicGrowth #DiversityInclusion