Bridging the gender gap in engineering: strategies for retention and advancement of women in STEM fields.

Abolle-Okoyeagu, Chika Judith; Mahon, Ruissein; Okpu, Ambrose; Chima-Amaeshi, Njideka

Abstract

The underrepresentation of women in engineering remains a significant challenge despite years of efforts to address gender disparities in STEM fields. This paper examines both the retention and advancement of women in engineering, exploring key strategies that foster a more inclusive, supportive environment from academia through to industry. Drawing from recent research, case studies, and interviews with female engineers, we identify critical barriers to retention, such as implicit bias, lack of mentorship, and limited opportunities for advancement, all of which contribute to the persistent gender gap. This research study proposes a consolidative framework to promote gender parity in engineering via targeted strategies, incorporating mentorship programmes, prejudice training, and career advancement drives that tackle both cultural and institutional challenges. In addition, the paper highlights the significance of adaptable policies, like hybrid work options and family-friendly benefits, which have demonstrated to boost work-life balance and lower attrition rates within the engineering womenfolk. By critically evaluating case studies from organisations that have effectively affected such programmes, we exhibit the positive effect these schemes have on retention rates and job contentment. Case study evidence suggest that drives to promote women in engineering should be geared towards recruitment but also include targeted professional progression and leadership support systems. With institutions as strong advocates for an all-encompassing environment, providing the required support systems, women in engineering roles will develop and progress in their profession. Finally, the paper presents transformative insights which if adopted by industry leaders, academic institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders (who have pledged to closing the gender imbalance) will significantly reduce gender disparity within engineering, resulting in a strong and diverse workforce capable of solving global societal challenges.

Citation

ABOLLE-OKOYEAGU, C.J., MAHON, R., OKPU, A. and CHIMA-AMAESHI, N. 2024. Bridging the gender gap in engineering: strategies for retention and advancement of women in STEM fields. 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
• Acceptance Date: Nov 22, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 12, 2024
• Deposit Date: Dec 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 17, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• ISBN: 9786094856020
• Keywords: Diverse workforce; Gender disparities; Gender imbalance; Women in engineering; Professional leadership
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2625475
• Publisher URL: https://www.dpublication.com/abstract-of-8th-wcfeducation/222-905/
• Additional Information: The abstract for this presentation was published as:; ABOLLE-OKOYEAGU, C.J., MAHON, R., OKPU, A. and CHIMA-AMAESHI, N. 2024. Bridging the gender gap in engineering: strategies for retention and advancement of women in STEM fields. 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. Vilnius, Lithuania: Diamond Scientific Publishing [online], paper number 222-905. Available from: https://www.dpublication.com/abstract-of-8th-wcfeducation/221-905/