As part of the HER Tech project, in which Rosenheim Technical University represents Germany, numerous interviews were conducted with stakeholders from politics, business and education in the second work package.
The tenor of the interviews is clear and provides groundbreaking insights into the reasons why fewer women choose technical and technological professions to this day. The key word here is socialization. This refers to learning and internalizing social rules and roles. Family, school, friends, media and society pass on values, norms, language and behaviors. The traditional role model, in which girls and women are often denied interest and skills in these areas, is part of this.
“Maths is more for boys,” “You’re studying maths to become a teacher, right?”, “How do you expect to fill a management position that involves travelling when you have three children?”, “Girls are better at languages.” These are just a few quotes from the interviews conducted. All interview participants were also able to recount personal experiences in which they were directly affected by these prejudices and preconceptions.
All participants agreed that these often casually uttered phrases become deeply ingrained in the subconscious of girls and young women, leading them to have less confidence in themselves, especially when compared directly with boys. At home, in nursery and primary school, the first steps are already being taken to ensure that girls are less likely to pursue a technical field of study or career. The lack of female role models in STEM and ICT leadership positions then reinforces the image that women are not suited to these fields. Women such as Judith Wiese, member of the board at Siemens, Gina Vargiu-Breuer at SAP and CFO Maria Ferraro at Siemens Energy are still rare exceptions at the top levels of German companies. According to statistical data, only about 22% of executives in Germany are women, and in purely technical management roles, the proportion is estimated to be as low as 10-15%.
All interviewees agree that there have been many positive changes in recent years. But there is still a lot to be done. The numerous initiatives aimed at girls to introduce them to STEM subjects at an early age are viewed positively. However, the possibilities for reaching all girls in this area are seen as limited. In addition, girls would develop differently and have more confidence in themselves in single-sex groups than in mixed groups. The motto is: if there is a boy there, he should do it, he can do it better. According to the interviewees, sustainable concepts in different environments are necessary to introduce as many girls as possible to STEM subjects in a low-threshold manner.
Despite the focus on girls and women, boys and men should also be part of these campaigns. Forgetting them would be one of the biggest mistakes, according to one interviewee. This overlooks the fact that change can only be achieved together.
Additional legal regulations on women’s quotas would not bring the desired success, as they would not give women acceptance and recognition at the same time. A profound change in awareness is the right approach here – but that takes time. We are on the right track, and projects such as the HER Tech project and other initiatives are making an important contribution. Each and every one of us is called upon to question our own stereotypes and expressions. After all, what we often say to our children casually and without thinking can have a lasting impact on their self-image.
For more information about TH Rosenheim, visit: TH Rosenheim
Picture: Children’s University at TH Rosenheim. All rights reserved. Published with permission.
