Article: “I had to work three times harder”: The professional struggles of women in STEM Written by Beth Gault Tuesday 14 November 2023 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email Only one in four STEM professionals are women. Here, three female managers reveal how a career in these critical roles can feel like all work and low pay – and how the industry needs more flexibility and visibility from its leadership “I’ve always felt that I had to work three times harder than anyone to be noticed,” says Flavia Popescu CMgr FCMI, senior project professional at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, the defence engineering company. “And probably six times harder to have the opportunity to be promoted.” Flavia believes this is mostly due to unconscious bias within the engineering industry. Just 26% of the UK’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce is female. Within engineering specifically, it falls to 12.9%. And while the problems of attracting women to STEM are acknowledged, the glass ceiling is affecting retention, too. “Women are as skilled, knowledgeable and as capable [as men],” says Flavia. “But are they recognised and rewarded? Not yet.” Unconscious bias an obstacle to womens promotion: explained Want to learn more about the professional struggles of women in STEM? Login or register below for Free Instant Access Login If you are already registered as a CMI Friend, Subscriber or Member, just login to view this article. Confirm your registration Login below to confirm your details and access this article. Sign in with email Email remember me remember Forget? Please confirm that you want to switch off the "Sign in with email" remember me feature. Yes No Register for Free Access Not yet a Member, Subscriber or Friend? Register as a CMI Friend for free, and get access to this and many other exclusive resources, as well as weekly updates straight to your inbox. You have successfully registered As a CMI Friend, you now have access to whole range of CMI Friendship benefits. Please login to the left to confirm your registration and access the article. Article Our extensive range of articles are designed to keep you in the loop with all the latest management and leadership best practice, research and news. Members See More CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits Join The Community CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.
