It comes as IET-led research with 13 to 23-year-olds shows that 26 per cent of female students are considering a career in STEM compared to 43 per cent of male students, and that more than one in 10 girls think that STEM careers are more suited to boys.
The #SmashStereotypesToBits campaign includes a video featuring five real-life female engineers – including Nadia Johnson, pictured above – turning the idea of a stereotypical “pillow fight” on its head by using their skills in engineering.
Jo Foster, the IET’s diversity and inclusion manager, said: “The research backs up fears that gender stereotyping within STEM careers is alive and well, potentially damaging the diversity of talent coming into the industry. This coupled with the fact that there is an estimated annual shortfall of 59,000 engineering and technicians to fill engineering roles, clearly demonstrates a need for action.”
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