Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science by supporting the women in your life! Only 27% of women make up STEM industries. And, for women of color, it is even harder to find the resources and support in STEM. Despite attending Historically Black colleges and universities that support BIPOC, only 25% have graduates in STEM fields.
Here are some actions you can take to support the women around you to reach new heights.
Experiences for your daughters
Taking an interest in any industry starts young. Yet, many communities do not have the means to expose their daughters to STEM fields. Luckily, there are thousands of organizations out there helping parents find community-based experiences for their daughters. Some include:
Grants & Scholarships
For women applying to college or wanting a Ph.D., there are many scholarships out there giving money to support women in STEM. Taking on student loans is a lot to put on women’s shoulders as they fight through male-dominated systems. Grants and scholarships ensure that women can continue pursuing their dreams and research, which advances science and technology.
- Career Development Grant – for those continuing education, re-entering the workforce, or changing careers
- International Fellowship – women who are non-U.S citizens in graduate or postgraduate studies
- Selected Professions Fellowship – women attending a college for a degree with historically low women participants
- The Science Ambassador Scholarship – a full-tuition scholarship for women in STEM
- Women in Technology Scholarship – awards 10 undergraduate women to participate in their professional development workshop and find an internship or full-time opportunities
Mentorship
One of the most vital aspects of any career advancement is mentorship. You have the experience and connections that can help more women succeed. Mentor recent graduates on the company culture, how to get into the industry, and what skills they will need in the future. Mentor middle managers on how they can get into c-suite and connect them to other industry leaders.
Join IAW’s mentor/mentee program to become a mentor or find one today!
Support their voice daily
The STEM industry is commonly known for being male-dominated. Women are easily looked over, devalued, and ignored. No matter what gender you identify as there are a couple day-to-day in-office ways you can support women in STEM.
- Listen to their opinions
- Ask them to weigh in on discussions and back their ideas
- Ask what you can do to help them
- Tell them about promotions, workshops, conferences, etc.
- Do not let gender bias decide their capability
- Confront gender stereotypes
The International Association of Women partners with world-class organizations to offer our members access to incredible resources and support. Just as our members build skills through shared knowledge, IAW works with its partners to develop lasting relationships. If you are interested in supporting women’s growth globally, then partner with the IAW at https://www.iawomen.com/partners
