Column: Empowering Women in STEM
As society progresses, rectifying past wrongdoings and preventing future ones is important. Particularly in STEM, where there has been a long-standing history of male domination within the academic and workplace settings.
To change that, encouraging and supporting women in STEM has become a priority and a conscious and deliberate effort for many, specifically, Sanya Mathura, editor and organizer for Empowering Women in STEM: Working Together to Inspire the Future.
Composed of 23 different authors and perspectives, the book gives an insight into the STEM world, what it’s like to be a woman in the field and the accompanying difficulties and challenges. Within the book, Joel Leonard, a talented and well-established engineer and Davidson Local writer, writes to convey the “Importance of making women feel accepted, invited, and supported to pursue these opportunities” in STEM.
Throughout history, misogyny and sexism have been persistently challenging and arduous roadblocks for women all around the world. From blatant favoring of their male counterparts to unequal and horrendous treatment, to the simple denial of basic rights, there is a longstanding history of the struggle of the women’s suffrage movement.
That is why in celebration of the accomplishments and milestones achieved with the movement, March has been officially recognized as “Women’s History Month.”
Women’s History Month is dedicated to supporting and empowering women in their own choices and autonomy. From highlighting high-speed businesswoman, to innovative researchers and the traditional feminine role as a homemaker, Women’s History Month is about uplifting each and every woman alike.
With Leonard being a prominent figure in his field, traveling worldwide to conventions and to give insight, he has witnessed many women in STEM being subjected to harassment and hostility. Leonard wants a change, stating that “Half of the population is one gender who doesn't feel invited, that's a problem,” and that “It is important to mentor, guide, support and advocate for women who may need it.”
With a renaissance in manufacturing blossoming, Leonard states, “Women can add new and unique perspectives to the male-dominated field and provide support previously unavailable. By offering references and opening doors for women, men are able to support and help foster a new age of equality and evolution.”
With Empowering Women in STEM: Working Together to Inspire the Future, we move one step closer to a new age of academic success. By continuing to support and uplift women, particularly women in STEM, we can create an amazing community of scholars supporting scholars.
{Image: Courtesy Joel Leonard} Lexington native, Engineer and Davidson Local writer, Joel Leonard adds his insight to the book, Empowering Women in STEM; Working Together to Inspire the Future.
