THE data on the topic women and STEM are still bad: the employment of women in scientific professions (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is still scarce. He took it over last summer the Institute of Statistics ofUNESCO (UIS) in its report Women and Science: around 30% of the world’s researchers are women and less than a third of female students choose to study subjects such as mathematics and engineering at university.
Women and STEM, gender equality is still far away
The question is a fundamental theme for the United Nations: this afternoon, in a themed event “DigitALL: innovation and technology for gender equality”, a series of experts will discuss precisely the tools to improve women’s access to digital tools.
Me too’European Union has included point 5, “Gender equality”, among the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. Because gender equality means equal access to medical care but also to education, professions, science, work, as well as representation in decision-making, political and economic processes.
Why Italian women choose humanistic paths
Italy is certainly not the positive exception in this context. Although girls represent almost 60% of graduates in Italy – a stable share for ten years now – their presence within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degree courses is decidedly reduced. For the benefit of study paths in the linguistic, medical and humanistic fields.
From an investigation by Terre des Hommes on girls and workon occasion of March 8, it emerges that over half of the girls (53.96%) she feels limitedin the choices about the future, from macho stereotypes and legacies. THEmoreover the Work is perceived as the place most at risk of discrimination. The data was collected byDefenseless Observatory created by Terre des Hommes and OneDay Group which this year involved over 2,000 teenage girls aged between 14 and 26.
STEM disciplines considered masculine and disconnected from reality
The lack of reference models and stereotypes do not help young NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training), for which Italy holds the negative European record: Italian women aged between 15 and 29 who do not study and do not work are as much as 25%. In particular, girls choosing traditionally male graduate programs and careers, such as the coveted STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), they are much less than the boys (in 2020/2021 they were just 20%).
At the origin of the gap, stereotypes related to the alleged greater inclination of women for the humanities, of men for scientific ones. A job market that favors the recruitment of young men but also the lack of support measures – especially for those who carry out the free profession – to ensure continuity of work in the event of maternity leave.
Among the main reasons that keep girls away from the scientific path – also indicates the Women and Science report of the UIS – there is also the desire to do something that has an impact on the community. A goal that is not seen immediately achieved in these sectors. The problem we are having today is that STEM subjects seem disconnected from everyday life.
Women and Stem, the combination works
Despite the stereotypes towards women, the prejudices related to STEM subjects and the ever greater obstacles in an increasingly difficult economic and social context, something is changing. More and more girls are embracing a love of science, according to data from the National Federation of Chemists and Physicists. The professionals registered in the federation are 42.21% women, a clear sign of an important female component. In the area of Chemistry, 33.67% are women, while in the area of Physics, today only 8.54% are women.
Ericsson’s women’s patents and Comau’s women
Other positive examples? The more than 15,000 women named as inventors of Ericsson’s more than 60,000 patents worldwide. The Swedish multinational aims to increase the representation of women to 30% at all levels by 2030, to inspire change and create more innovations.
But so many excellent examples of female STEM professionalism are also offered by the women of Comau, a world leader in the field of industrial automation. Four of them have decided to tell their story. As an example for all the girls of the younger generation.
Fariba Madhoohi and the passion for STEM
Product Manager at Comau, Fariba Madhoohi arrived in Turin after completing her three-year degree in her home country, Iran. A road inspired by his father, director of a factory. In Italy he obtained a master’s degree in Automation Industry at the Polytechnic from where, thanks to a partnership between the company and the university, he was able to take part in an internship at Comau with the role of Manufacturing Engineering. In Comau has specialized in a specific product, the Matethe exoskeleton of which he is currently Product Manager. Fariba works every day with the exoskeleton that he sees almost like a son, also thanks to his contribution, in fact, he has transformed from idea to solution on the market.
It wasn’t easy for her to grow up professionally away from her family, in a country other than her own, starting with the language and in a totally male environment. Especially regarding the start in the workshop in a totally mechanical and production environment. Despite this, she did it and contributed to the creation of new production lines.
«The right awareness of yourself, of all that others can give you and the passion for what you do helps you not feel in difficulty. Furthermore, to know you are not alone, just connect to social networks. Today there are a lot of women all over the world who work in this environment, even on Linkedin it is possible to find many professionals and see their passion, their projects and successes in these environments».
Lucrezia Morabito, order and fantasy can coexist
Product Marketing and first Data Scientist for Coma, Lucrezia Morabito deals with the marketing aspects relating to mobile robotics and the part of renewables. Analyze the practical implications of the theories it is one of the elements that Lucrezia has always loved about her job. She graduated in Mathematical Engineering, a master in Industry 4.0 and an advanced training apprenticeship, she joined Comau fascinated by the relationship with the workshop, with physical objects where he could see his studies materialised. Thanks to the application of the Digital Twin project (a methodology based on data collection, simulation and production assistance) he obtained an award for best author under 30 which accredited him with the scientific community.
Working in a male-dominated sector has never been a problem for Lucrezia. «Challenges are present in any workplace. However, it is essential not to be labeled both by gender and by skills. STEM are disciplines that allow multiple real applications that go beyond research exercises and offer benefits to the community, this aim should be the common thread that guides the entire scientific community, men and women alike”.
Lucrezia took an active part in the creation of the first edition of II level University Master’sHumanAIze: the human and social sciences for artificial intelligence” established by the Polytechnic of Turin and the University of Turin, on the initiative of the STEM by Women Association.
Leah Wilson, leaving the comfort zone for Stem
Graduate Project Manager at Comau UK, Leah Wilson is studying for a second degree (after Engineering) in Manufacturing Engineering. With the aim of improving his skills in CAD and simulation activities, in research and design theories, in production and process management and in the mechanics of materials. It was her family that inspired Leah in her choice of study path. In particular her grandfather, an engineer in the automation industry, her father as an electrical engineer and her older brother.
These male figures have led to the choice of STEM disciplines and she too would like to be a role model for younger women, starting with those in her family. Leah acknowledges an initial sense of unease both felt when they were just two women out of a class of 20 in college and on some occasions when perhaps at some customers she was one of the few women wearing a helmet, a mask and safety boots.
A reality which, however, fortunately, has seen progressive transformation over the years: there are more and more women in the construction sites and corridors of the university. “When I left school, I was the only woman in my year to enter an engineering industry. I advise women not to be afraid to challenge each other ea get out of your comfort zone, because this job offers many opportunities. Don’t be discouraged and believe in yourself.”
Chiara de Ferrari, plus Stem in primary training
Mechanical engineer, Chiara de Ferrari is responsible for presenting the most suitable solutions to Comau Germany’s customers, also from a technical and mechanical point of view. It is the company’s interface with customers. He mainly deals with Powertrain and therefore with projects related to the welding line for the engine axles. Above all, it follows projects concerning lines for the production of electric cars because the market is moving more and more in this direction.
Besides cars and engineering, she is passionate about boating. All three passions and activities “for men” where the presence of women is always very scarce. «When I chose my course of study as well as the sport to do, I never thought that they weren’t suitable for me as a woman. For me it was normal, I had attitudes and I followed them. Of course, I noticed the gap between men and women too. At university I was often the only woman in the classroom and still today I continue to have only male interlocutors.
What is missing to overcome this cultural legacy is definitely a greater exposure of young people to STEM subjects, starting from school. Our sector can do a lot in this. Comau, for example, has devised a project to introduce boys and girls to science subjects in an entertaining way by bringing to different schools e.DO, a small robot that allows students of all ages to learn and experience the basic or advanced principles of robotics and to try to use the most common programming languages».
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