Women in science and engineering are hindered not by lack of ability but by bias and “outmoded institutional structures” in academia, an expert panel reported today.
Full report here.
I went to a session on women in physics at a recent conference (attendees: 1900, of which 99 were women). It was very interesting and there was a lot of passionate discussion, much more so than in any of the talks about quantum phase transitions, funnily enough.
I do think this is an important topic, both for the sake of the field of physics missing out on otherwise productive and talented people, and for those women who feel unable to continue in what is a very rewarding and stimulating profession. It does seem though, that things will not improve on their own, and a concerted effort is needed to change the situation. On the other hand, the steps needed (from concrete things to do with childcare, to general changes of attitude), should benefit the quality of life of everyone, male or female.
Update:
More discussion chez BitchPhD.
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