From Elizabeth Pollitzer, Portia (Advancing Women in Science, Engineering and Technology)
Sherry Towers’s experience and observations of the obstacles facing women in science (24 May, p 19) parallel the findings of the UK’s Institute of Physics, which conducted a series of visits to university physics departments between 2003 and 2005 to investigate their “gender friendliness” – that is, how welcoming each was to female students and staff. It came as a surprise to the visited and the visitors how many hidden and not-so-hidden obstacles women faced. The report, which is available on the IoP website, lists 28 separate issues and offers a range of specific recommendations for departmental action to improve the career prospects of young female research assistants and postgraduate students, as well as advice on retaining experienced female research staff.
The problem is not restricted to physics. Another study, by Sylvia Ann Hewlett, based on data from 2500 workers and to be published in Harvard Review next month, points out that 52 per cent of highly qualified women working for science, engineering and technology companies have voluntarily left a job due to male-dominated “hostile work environments”.
The IoP report should be obligatory reading for every organisation with persistent gender imbalances.
London, UK
