Dismantling barriers faced by women pursuing engineering in higher education to facilitate widening access: a UK perspective.

Mahon, Ruissein; Abolle-Okoyeagu, Chika Judith

Abstract

Despite numerous initiatives to increase the representation of women in engineering, it remains a global challenge and priority agenda within the UK engineering industry, professional bodies, and academic institutions. This paper explores the complex barriers which females encounter in pursuing engineering higher education and proposes practical strategies to encourage their enrolment, retention and attainment rates. This research work identifies key barriers including societal stereotypes, lack of role models, gender bias in educational settings, and insufficient support systems as endemic issues which limit gender parity in engineering education. Statistical analysis reveals that women constitute only 18% of engineering undergraduates in the UK, a stark contrast to their male counterparts. Furthermore, the dropout rate for women in engineering courses is higher than for men, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The paper examines successful UK case studies and best practices from institutions that have made significant advancement in gender diversity and provides a framework which demonstrates how such strategies can be successfully implemented – gender sensitivity training for educators, the establishment of support networks, and flexible learning pathways. Advocacy for increased funding for research on gender disparities in engineering and the development of national campaigns to challenge stereotypes and promote engineering careers to young women will also be discussed. By addressing the barriers faced by women in engineering education, enhances not only innovation and productivity but also ensure a more equitable and inclusive workforce. This paper emphasizes the need for systemic change to create a supportive and inclusive environment for women in engineering.

Citation

MAHON, R. and ABOLLE-OKOYEAGU, C.J. 2024. Dismantling barriers faced by women pursuing engineering in higher education to facilitate widening access: a UK perspective. Presented at the 8th World conference on Future of education, 12-14 December 2024, Cambridge, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: 8th World conference on future of education 2024 (WCFEDUCATION 2024)
• Start Date: Dec 12, 2024
• End Date: Dec 14, 2024
• Deposit Date: Dec 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 17, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• ISBN: 9786094856020
• Keywords: Engineering education; Gender disparities; Inclusive workforce; Targeted interventions; Women in engineering
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2625458
• Publisher URL: https://www.dpublication.com/abstract-of-8th-wcfeducation/221-9896/
• Additional Information: The abstract for this presentation was published as:; MAHON, R. and ABOLLE-OKOYEAGU, C.J. 2024. Dismantling barriers faced by women pursuing engineering in higher education to facilitate widening access: a UK perspective. In the Abstract book for the proceedings of the 8th World conference on future of education 2024 (WCFEDUCATION 2024), 12-14 December 2024, Cambridge, UK. Available from: https://www.dpublication.com/abstract-of-8th-wcfeducation/221-9896/