There is a common belief that women are underrepresented in fields dominated by men, such as in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) sectors, because there are just not enough women in the pipeline. Some have argued that women choose not to enter these careers because they simply have different preferences or aspirations. In turn, this implies that companies and firms do not have responsibility for a lack of gender diversity. However, this is a myth. A substantial number of women are qualified to work in fields dominated by men. For instance, in 2015 in Canada, women accounted for 43% of university graduates from STEM programs. Yet, women with STEM degrees are less likely than men with the same degrees to work in science and technology occupations. We bust this myth with leading experts to show that companies and firms need to take more action to make  STEM fields more equitable and less gender segregated.

Featured Guests:

Dr. Sharla Alegria, University of Toronto

Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland, Former COO of AnitaB.org

Hosted by Alyson Colón and Carmina Ravanera

For more research and resources related to women in STEM please visit our website (https://www.gendereconomy.org/women-in-stem/) or click here . 

For transcript + show notes please visit out website (www.gendereconomy.org/Busted) or click here.

This podcast is a GATE Audio production from the University of Toronto’s Institute for Gender and the Economy: www.gendereconomy.org