ARE WOMEN NEEDED IN AEROSPACE FOR ENGINEERING THE FUTURE?

September 9, 2015

Chiara BisagniAerospace Structures and Computational MechanicsFaculty of Aerospace EngineeringTU Delft

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

In an University Lab...

A woman? She is probably not able to park her car, and she wants to

run a test on an aerospace structure in

this lab…

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

In an International Committee Meeting…

A woman? She is probably here only

because they had to invite also a woman…

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Aviators

Amelia Earhart: first woman to fly the Atlantic solo (1932)

Charles Lindbergh: solo nonstop Atlantic flight on May 20–21, 1927

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Astronauts

Valentina Tereshkova:first woman to have flown in space on 16 June 1963

Yuri Gagarin:on 12 April 1961 he became the first human to travel into space, and the first to orbit the earth

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Women…

Gathering of current and past female NASA astronauts at Johnson Space Center, September 2012

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Looks like an aerospace engineer at NASA…

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Women in selected STEM occupations

Sources: AAUW analysis of data from U.S. Census Bureau (1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000); L. M. Frehill analysis of data from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2011, 2014)

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Women in engineering, computing and other occupations

Sources: L. M. Frehill analysis of data from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014)

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Bachelor’s degrees awarded in engineering

Sources: L. M. Frehill analysis of National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (2014).

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Retention in Engineering

Sources: L. M. Frehill analysis of National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (2010a, 2010b).

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Pay gap

Sources: L. M. Frehill analysis of U.S. Census Bureau (2014).

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

48 European Universities of Science and Technology

Source: Results of the CESAER Gender Equality Survey 2013/2014 presented at CESAER Gender Equality Workshop, Vienna University of Technology, 27-28 November 2014

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Source: Results of the CESAER Gender Equality Survey 2013/2014 presented at CESAER Gender Equality Workshop, Vienna University of Technology, 27-28 November 2014

Women in FP7 actions

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

AIRBUS

In 2014, 17% of AIRBUS workforce and 19% of AIRBUS recruits were women (despite the low number of women studying engineering subjects - 15% to 18% only).

In December 2014, women held a little more than 10% of senior managers and executive positions (10.5% in core countries).

AIRBUS is on target with respect to its hiring target for female engineers -- currently ~20% with an aim to reach 25%.

Source: Rachel Schroeder, Head of Employment Marketing, Airbus S.A.S. and Airbus Group

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Actual situation

More than ever before in history, girls are studying and excelling in science and mathematics.

Yet the dramatic increase in girls’ educational achievements in scientific and mathematical subjects has not been matched by similar increases in the representation of women working as engineers.

Women made up just 12 percent of working engineers in 2013.

Chemical and Biological Engineering Civil Engineering Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

Are women needed in aerospace for engineering the future?

The representation of women in engineering matters Our countries simply can’t afford to loose half of the

workforce in the technical fields. Diversity in the workforce contributes to creativity,

productivity, and innovation. The society cannot ignore the perspectives of half the

population, as women’s experiences-along with men’s experiences-should inform and guide the direction of engineering and technical innovation.

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

What can we do?

Combating stereotypes and biasesWe all hold gender biases, shaped by cultural stereotypes in the wider culture, that affect how we evaluate and treat one another. While explicit gender bias -that is, self-reported bias- is declining,implicit or unconscious gender bias remains widespread.

Cultivating a sense of belongingPerhaps because of this combination of stereotypes, biases, and values, women often report that they don’t feel as if they belong in engineering and computing fields.

Removing workplace barriersFemale engineers, who were most satisfied with their jobs and do not leave these fields after years of preparation, worked for organizations that provided clear paths for advancement, gave employees challenging assignments that helped develop and strengthen new skills, remove pay gap, support for balancing work and nonwork roles.

Chiara Bisagni, Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics

To young female engineers: do not forget that…

Aerospace engineering offers broad and high-quality job opportunities

Engineering skills and competences are learned, not innate, so successful engineers are willing to practice to develop their skills and persist through difficulties

Adversities are a common experience for everyone, so challenging coursework does not selectively signal to students that they do not belong in engineering

Believe in yourself and your capacities! Be passionate!