Over the past quarter-century, our perception of scientists has slowly evolved, but an enduring gender gap remains. Women continue to encounter such obstacles as discriminatory hiring practices, disparate pay scales, limited opportunities for career advancement, challenges in maintaining a work-life balance, and instances of harassment.
In a recent AWIS webinar, Lisa M. P. Muñoz, author of Women in Science Now and president of SciComm Services, Inc., shared stories from scientists researching these disparities and offered fresh insights into reshaping STEM fields to foster greater equity and inclusivity.
Munõz cited research revealing biases that manifest in various ways. One study asked children to draw a scientist. In studies conducted in the 1960s, children predominantly depicted scientists as men in their drawings, reflecting the limited representation of women in STEM careers within mainstream media and society. Moreover, women have often faced the “Matilda Effect,” a phenomenon aptly coined by Professor Margaret W. Rossiter to underscore the systemic bias against acknowledging women scientists’ accomplishments, which are often overshadowed or misattributed to their male counterparts. These biases put women at a disadvantage in STEM.
However, as Munõz asserted, achieving equity extends far beyond merely achieving an even ratio of men to women. Organizations must cultivate inclusive environments where women and historically excluded minorities are afforded equal opportunities for growth and recognition.
In her book, Muñoz emphasized best practices aimed at rectifying existing inequities within STEM. She advocated for empowering individuals to take proactive measures to effect change within their own organizations, allowing them to challenge misinformation, confront wrongdoing, and foster a culture of open dialogue and constructive feedback. Furthermore, she shared the pivotal role of community-building initiatives, including peer-mentorship programs, dialogue-driven forums, and the establishment of safe spaces, which empower women to thrive and excel in STEM disciplines.
Women in Science Now serves as a testament to the resilience, tenacity, and remarkable contributions of women from diverse backgrounds across various scientific domains. Through narratives and insightful anecdotes, Muñoz shines a spotlight on the journeys, challenges, and impacts that these trailblazing women play in shaping the future of science.
Stories about women in STEM, like the ones Munõz shares, play a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the scientific community, inspiring future generations, and challenging stereotypes. Watch the webinar replay to learn more about the major themes in Women in Science Now.
Jade Forde is the Marketing Specialist at AWIS. The New York City native graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor’s in communication and master’s degree in digital strategy from the University of Florida. She has almost 10 years of experience in social media, content creation, website maintenance, online communities, graphic design, newsletters, and email marketing.
This article was originally published in AWIS Magazine. Join AWIS to access the full issue of AWIS Magazine and more member benefits.