About the session
Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon FREng FIET, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Study Group, Chair of the Engineering Development Trust and Industrial Cadets
In the fight to close the gender gap in STEM, it’s clear that traditional outreach efforts have fallen short.
Despite years of initiatives aimed at supporting girls and women, we continue to see stagnation in their participation and retention in these fields. The time has come for a radical shift in our approach—one that disrupts the status quo rather than merely tweaking existing strategies.
We must challenge the prevailing narratives and rethink who is involved in outreach action. This means engaging not only the traditional subjects but also policymakers and industry leaders.
Systemic changes are necessary, including the implementation of policies that reflect the diverse needs of female STEM professionals. Parents must also be educated about STEM subjects so they can act as catalysts of change.
I have for a long time been of the view that, it may even be time to reconsider the very language we use—even changing the name of the engineering profession itself to attract a broader audience.
It’s not just about outreach anymore; it’s about a comprehensive overhaul of the entire ecosystem. Let’s embrace this disruption and take bold action now, ensuring that we create a future where women thrive in STEM. The responsibility rests with us to pave the way for the next generation.
