Blog

One of the barriers women face in project management is the lack of women in STEM careers (science, technology, engineering, and math). This shortage can discourage them from taking on the engineering and technology projects. Many men and women have chosen project management as a career from the get-go. However, many project managers are recruited from industries in which they are previously established. These industries have less women working in them, narrowing the pool of women that can be recruited from STEM positions to become project managers. It is important to address the shortage of women studying STEM-related majors and subjects in high school and college, otherwise companies will miss a great population of potential project management hires. Read on for a few ways to encourage women to step into STEM-related fields – all it can take is a little encouragement.

Show and Tell

There are few things as impactful as having a good mentor or role model. If you know of a young woman who is interested in a STEM career, talk to her about women who have gone before her. Sharing stories, making connections, and being open to conversation about career opportunities can help that topic become more normal. When something becomes more normal, an attitude of curiosity and openness is cultivated.

On March 14, 2022 (also known as Pi Day), female meteorologists dressed in purple to show support for women in stem while going over the daily forecast. Representation in the media is huge; seeing women identify themselves with the STEM community in a public is great way to build confidence for young, influential minds.

Listen and Learn

Education needs to be developed to improve women's experience in pursuing male-dominated occupations. Support local camps, classes, and after-school clubs that provide a hands-on STEM experience. STEM careers are challenging, but that does not mean that women should be deterred from unlocking their potential passion for that area of study. Through conversation and community, we can begin to demystify the stigma of STEM-related careers.

Culture Change

Blue-collar jobs that involve operations with heavy equipment, repairs, and construction as well as engineering careers have the highest percentage of male workers. It is not enough to simply put women into administration roles and assume it is enough to bridge the gap. STEM careers are all in need of more women entering that work force. On the professional level, companies must foster an inclusive company culture that evaluates employees based off performance, not gender. In addition, policies should be set in place to reduce sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying in the workplace. Research shows that women in male-dominated roles are more likely to experience gender discrimination than those that are not.

Breaking the societal perception of gender norms in the workforce begins with conversation, questioning structure, and building community. Encourage the women in your life to pursue an interest in STEM-related programs and careers. Whether their curiosity lands them as a senior project manager or in a STEM related career, it all supports the mission to change the workforce gender gap.