Women mean business
The UKRC launched its timely report 'Women Mean Business' to an audience of politicians, business leaders, eminent women from SET and other key figures at the House of Commons on 14 July 2010.
Speaking at the event, Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said: “The European Commission has predicted if we don’t act now Europe will suffer a shortfall of 20 million skilled workers in science and technology by 2030.
“It is as simple as this: if we don’t promote women in our organisations we are missing out on 50 per cent of the available talent in this country, at a time when demand in science has never been so high. That has serious repercussions for society and the future strength and prosperity of our economy, to which science plays such an invaluable part."
She praised the work of the UKRC in building gender equality in science, engineering and technology:
“By creating a forum where we can celebrate and recognise this talent and achievement, the UKRC is not just changing the face of science, they are creating important role models for future generations of women.
“They are sending a message out there that actually science is not a male domain. Women do science, women do technology and women do engineering and we are excelling in it! And that is the call we need if we want more young girls envisioning their futures as scientists.”
The report sets out seven key reasons why women are essential in science, engineering and technology:
- it enables businesses to stand out as employers of choice
- gender equality helps improve business performance
- organisations are more likely to retain knowledge and experience
- they are able to capitalise on changes in workforce demographics
- it helps solve the serious shortage of skills in many areas of SET
- it helps organisations meet public sector procurement standards and means they better reflect and represent their customer base and wider society
- it enables them to comply with current and emerging equalities legislation
Download the full report or the executive summary.
Download the transcript of Lynne Featherstone's speach
Listen to the interview on Woman's Hour: the item starts 32 minutes into the programme. If this is no longer available try this MP3 download.
View photos of the House of Commons launch (on Flickr)
