PS urges women to persist
THE global statistics for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) show just 15 per cent of engineering graduates, 19 per cent of technology and mathematics and 38 per cent of Computer Studies are females.
This was highlighted by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection permanent secretary, Eseta Nadakuitavuki, during the Pacific Women in Power panel discussion at the University of the South Pacific held recently.
“It is widely acknowledged that STEM careers are male dominated,” Ms Nadakuitavuki said.
“It is a misconception that women are inferior to men in STEM abilities - it is a fact that both women and men have the same abilities in STEM.”
“It is also a misconception that women are naturally more interested in caregiving occupations such as nursing or teaching while men are naturally more interested in STEM fields than women,” she added.
Ms Nadakuitavuki highlights that in an era when women are increasingly showing their prominence in medicine, law, and entrepreneurship, there are so few women scientists, engineers and leaders in STEM fields including the energy sector.
“The time to change is now and this year in particular is dedicated to call on change, especially with the 2024 International Women’s Day theme being, “Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress,” she said.
University of the South Pacific vice chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, shared that plans are in place to direct a portion of the Vice Chancellor’s strategic fund to support women in academia who are interested to move to the next level of leadership and to increase the number of women taking on leadership roles. “To the women leaders – Persist! There are barriers everywhere,” she said. “We can provide the support you need here, to enable you to break down bamboo ceilings,” encouraged Prof. Ahluwalia.
World Bank acting country manager, Bonnie Sirois, shared with the forum that the World Bank Pacific Women in Power Program was not merely an initiative, but a movement that seeks to amplify the role and voices of women in engineering, science and leadership roles within the energy sector.
“It has the ultimate objective of assisting the energy sector and education institutions dismantle barriers and create pathways for women to thrive in careers in the energy sector,” she added