The Department of Physics recently hosted a lecture as part of its dissemination and outreach programme, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging dialogue among third-year undergraduate students. The session, delivered by Ms Vania Tabone from the Department of Gender & Sexualities, focused on the importance of Women in STEM and the ongoing challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields.

The lecture sought to sensitise students to the socially constructed perceptions that continue to shape career choices and opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Ms Tabone encouraged students to reflect on the deeply rooted cultural norms that contribute to gender inequality in STEM and emphasised the importance of embracing our role as catalysts for long-term change, acknowledging that such cultural shifts may take generations to fully materialise.

One of the key points highlighted was the low participation of women in STEM fields, with only 28% pursuing careers in these areas. Even within STEM, gender disparities persist. Ms Tabone presented data comparing the number of female graduates across faculties: the Faculty of Science reported 49% female graduates, while the Faculty of Education had a significantly higher rate of 91%. These figures reflect broader societal patterns and underline the need for targeted efforts to address these imbalances.

In addition to discussing participation rates, the lecture also tackled the specific challenges faced by women aiming for leadership roles in STEM. These include unconscious bias and a lack of female role models in senior positions. Such barriers continue to hinder progress and demand structural change.

The Department of Physics remains committed to promoting equality and inclusion within the scientific community. By engaging students in meaningful conversations and providing platforms for awareness, we hope to inspire future generations to challenge stereotypes and support a more balanced and inclusive future in STEM.