Antoine Vanlaeys’ Post

Women are underrepresented and poorly retained in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) both in university and in industry. The lack of gender equality in STEM impedes innovation and economic development. We want women to envision themselves pursuing and thriving in STEM careers such as: Researcher, Computer Scientist, Electronics Engineer, Automation Design Engineer and Manufacturing Engineer, Director of Manufacturing, Electronics Technician, Chief Technology Officer, and Principal Scientist (R&D). Increasing the number of women employed in STEM fields could accelerate U.S. GDP growth by boosting women’s cumulative earnings by $299 billion and adding $5.87 trillion to the global stock market within 10 years. More importantly, increasing the number of women in STEM results in cultivating a more confident, innovative brain trust of leaders and mentors to inspire our daughters and the thought leaders of the future. Donors to NextFlex Learning Programs are people like you who believe in equality for all. This is an incredible opportunity to support the cultivation of the visionary leaders of the future and empower more women and other underrepresented talent to pursue careers in technology leadership roles. The leaders of tomorrow begin with the plans we make today, so we must act now. With your support, we will change the face of STEM leaders. Learn more below, https://lnkd.in/g2nsCZR2 #workforcedevelopment #manufacturing #workforce #womeninstem #STEM

Recently, I had the privilege of knowing about some incredible women in STEM. I have always believed in the power of diversity. Seeing women setting milestones and leading innovative projects is proof that gender should never be a barrier to success in STEM. It made me reflect on how we can encourage more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Here's how 📌Provide Early Exposure: Introduce STEM concepts early, host workshops and science fairs for girls. 📌Mentorship Programs: Connect with female mentors, and establish support networks for guidance. 📌Role Models and Representation: Showcase successful women in STEM, and invite professionals to speak. 📌Hands-On Learning Opportunities: Encourage participation in clubs, and provide access to labs. 📌Scholarships and Grants: Offer financial support, and provide grants for STEM activities. 📌Community Support: Engage parents, create STEM-focused community groups. Celebrating the achievements of women in STEM is not just about honouring their contributions but also about inspiring the next generation. Let’s continue to support and empower these talented individuals, creating a more inclusive and innovative future for all. Tag your favourite woman in the comments below. #womenpower #womenleaders #inoovation #stemleaders #apple

The field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, commonly referred to as STEM, has traditionally been dominated by men. However, the female workforce in STEM is slowly, but surely, growing. The percentage of women employed in STEM has grown steadily since the 1970s, from 11 percent to 28 percent in 2016. It's pretty clear that it's a male-dominated field, but why? According to experts, there are many factors that contribute to the disproportionate number of women in STEM, namely the limited access to resources that inspire and promote females to pursue a STEM career. Women are also more likely to face societal and cultural biases that discourage them from entering STEM-related fields. Recently, there has been a push to close this gender gap. A few ways this has been achieved is by implementing improvements in education, such as incorporating gender-friendly teaching approaches to encourage women to pursue careers in STEM. In addition, STEM-related programs have been developed to help student secure internships and apprenticeships to gain work experience and make connections in the industry. These changes, along with the efforts of female scientists and advocates, have helped to increase the number of women in STEM. And as more and more women are entering the field, there is a greater representation of female leadership and innovation. Women are making great strides in the STEM field and are quickly becoming influential contributors to scientific progress and discovery. At the end of the day, it's clear that as more women enter the field, the mentality of the STEM industry is slowly transforming to become more welcoming towards women and to recognize their important contributions to the field. As the landscape of STEM shifts more in their direction, women will most certainly be provided with new opportunities to shine and excel. #stem #science #engineering #technology

It's deeply concerning. Despite recognising the creativity and versatility in engineering careers, a significant gender gap persists in STEM. According to a recent study, a mere 12% of girls feel that an engineering identity aligns with their sense of self, while just 16% think it's a career suitable for them. We're dealing with more than a disparity in interest. We're facing a potential crisis of skill shortages in the vital STEM industries, which could threaten our progress on crucial fronts like sustainability and technological innovation. It's disheartening to see that while opportunities for practical science could engage less interested students, only a quarter of GCSE students engage in practical work regularly. This is an issue near and dear to my heart. As someone with 25 years of experience in headhunting for executive roles in various sectors, including STEM, I've seen the potential impact of this gap. It's not just about filling positions—it's about nurturing a future generation equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. It's vital to inspire all young minds, but particularly reach out to those girls who unconsciously drift away from science and engineering. Perhaps they lack role models or don't see the subjects as relevant to their lives. If 36% of girls say science isn't for them, that's 36% of potential talent we might never tap into. We need to bring science to life in schools, offer more extracurricular STEM activities, and ensure representation and visibility of women in these fields. As organisations and leaders, we have a responsibility to offer hands-on experiences, mentorship, and clear evidence that STEM careers are as much for women as they are for men. Let's show the next generation the rewarding pathways STEM subjects can provide. Industry professionals, educators, and policymakers all have a part to play. If you feel as strongly about this as I do or want to discuss innovative solutions to bridge this gender gap in STEM, please reach out at [email protected]. #STEM #GenderGap #Headhunting

“Many students shape their understanding of available career paths based upon what they see on television, in movies and through other public representations. Unfortunately, equity, diversity and inclusion have long been lacking in these arenas, contributing to students’ too-narrow view of available career options. If female students do not see women astronauts, doctors or other professionals celebrated, then they will understandably assume there is no similar place for them in STEM – not true.” Providing female students with opportunities that not only ignite excitement around STEM learning, but help them see themselves in the STEM fields, is a critical piece in closing the workforce gender gap. FIRST CEO Christopher Moore discusses the importance of female representation and how companies can inspire young girls to pursue STEM by providing role models and encouraging STEM exploration. Read more via Forbes: https://hubs.ly/Q02r2fFC0

How can we address the issue of women being underrepresented and poorly retained in STEM, both in university and industry, and how that in turn impedes innovation and economic development? Yesterday at NextFlex Innovation Days, NextFlex Learning Programs announced an ambitious $5M fundraising goal to support Women in STEM Education (WISE) - inspiring the creation of more leadership and mentorship programs for women from college to mid-career. NextFlex aims to stimulate greater gender equity in the STEM field, grow confidence of females in STEM, help women envision themselves in the STEM workforce, and support them in their early career to remain in STEM. We want women to envision themselves pursuing and thriving in STEM careers such as: Researcher, Computer Scientist, Electronics Engineer, Automation Design Engineer and Manufacturing Engineer, Director of Manufacturing, Electronics Technician, Chief Technology Officer, and Principal Scientist (R&D). Work with us to transform the landscape of leaders in STEM: https://lnkd.in/edcZJxDS 🔗 to press release: https://lnkd.in/eid4ynh5 #WomenInSTEM #AdvancedManufacturing #Mentorship #STEMEducation #NextFlex #WorkforceDevelopment #EarlyCareer

As the world moves ahead with technology, one of the most important areas we need to focus on is the role of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Not only are women essential to the health of STEM fields, but by encouraging and supporting more women to pursue STEM opportunities, we open the door to a whole new range of innovative ideas and breakthroughs — and potentially push the boundaries of what is currently possible. In this blog series, we’ll be exploring the progress (and challenges) that women have faced in STEM fields, as well as the perspectives of female professionals in the STEM industry in the hopes of inspiring and empowering more women to enter this exciting and rewarding field. #stem #womeninstem #womeninscience #science #engineering #technology

🚀 Empowering Girls in STEM: Shaping the Future on STEM Day 🚀 Today, on the 8th of November,  as we celebrate the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics let's shine a spotlight on a crucial aspect: empowering girls in STEM. The gender gap in STEM is a reality we can't ignore. While progress has been made, there's still work to be done. It's time to address this imbalance and ensure that every young mind, regardless of gender, feels inspired to explore the endless possibilities within STEM. Empowering girls in STEM starts early. It's about fostering curiosity and resilience, and providing the support they need to pursue their interests. Positive role models and mentorship play a pivotal role in shaping their journeys. Let's challenge stereotypes that limit potential. Girls can be phenomenal engineers, scientists, coders, and mathematicians. The world needs their unique perspectives and innovative ideas. Let's celebrate and amplify the stories of women who have defied stereotypes and excelled in STEM fields. Investing in educational initiatives is key. Encourage girls to explore STEM subjects and participate in programs that nurture their passion. Shout out to organizations championing diversity and inclusion in STEM education—we need more of you! Representation matters. It matters in media, in classrooms, and in workplaces. Let's create environments where every girl sees herself as a valuable player in the world of STEM. Companies, let's actively promote diversity in our STEM roles! To all the aspiring young minds out there: you have the potential to achieve greatness in STEM. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back. Seek out mentors, ask questions, and never underestimate your capabilities. The future of STEM is brighter with you in it! On this STEM Day, let's commit to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for every aspiring scientist, engineer, technologist, and mathematician. Share your stories, encourage curiosity, and let's collectively shape a future where every girl knows she is an essential player in the world of STEM. 🌟Together, let's empower the next generation of STEM trailblazers! 🌟 #STEMDay #womeninengineering #womeninscience #sdgs #climateaction #EmpowerGirlsInSTEM #DiversityInSTEM #WomenInSTEM #FutureLeaders

Empowering women in STEM: How we break barriers from classroom to C-suite Despite advancements in education, gender gaps in STEM fields remain persistent. According to the latest PISA report by OECD, while there's progress in overall educational achievement between genders, societal norms still heavily influence educational choices—often steering girls away from STEM subjects. Additionally, limited access to digital resources in developing economies further disadvantages girls. This imbalance reflects in the underrepresentation of women in the STEM workforce. In this, they make up nearly half (49.3%) of all jobs outside of STEM fields, but they only hold about 29.2% of STEM positions. Moreover, retention rates for women in STEM careers has also significantly declined, affecting leadership diversity. So, how do we bridge this gap? The answer lies in collaboration. Companies and schools can collaborate to create mentorship programs that connect female students with STEM professionals, developing their interest in STEM early on. Through joint initiatives, these organisations can tackle gender bias and promote diversity through a range of programs and networking events. Providing hands-on experiences such as internships, workshops, and site visits allows students to witness STEM concepts in action while companies can contribute to curricula development to ensure alignment with industry needs. By developing curiosity and dismantling stereotypes early on, we can encourage more girls to pursue STEM fields. Investing in the education and potential of both genders is crucial for a more inclusive and prosperous future. By working together, companies and educational institutions can empower and encourage more female STEM graduates, contributing to a more diverse and talented workforce. #STEM #WomenInSTEM #GenderEquality https://lnkd.in/gtfKpFwi *Source: World Economic Forum

👩🔬 Globally, women's representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is low compared to men—for example, in 2022 only 7 percent of women graduated with a degree in engineering and manufacturing, compared to 25 percent of men. How can women be empowered to pursue STEM fields? One theory is that women role models may help. 💡 In our newest Policy Insight, we reviewed evidence from seven randomized evaluations of role model interventions across four high-income countries. The review found that exposure to women role models often positively impacts women students’ participation and educational performance in STEM fields by improving their perceptions and aspirations of having STEM careers. Read here: https://j-p.al/43j #womeninstem #girlsinstem