Guerrilla Beauty

We all know that there is a shortage of women in Science, Engineering and Technology. Periodically, there is a competition day or lecture at a local school to try and encourage girls onto Scientific courses, yet only a minority of girls do so. And out of those that study sciences at college or university, only a relatively small proportion actually stay in a career – opting for positions in teaching, management or consultancy instead. The latter is almost certainly due to money and flexi-time. However, why is it that so many girls aren’t interested in science and technology at school? Even parents who strive to raise their daughters in an atmosphere of equality report that, somehow, at a young primary school age, their daughters start to think that they can’t work in traditionally male roles.

Here at Guerrilla Beauty there is a growing collection of articles about the science behind the beauty industry. Let’s face it, ladies are savvy and intelligent enough when it comes to beauty, having no problem with Coenzyme Q-10, Pro-vitamin B5, or the difference between Dermis and Epidermis (the layers of the skin). There are women who can find uses for Baking Soda that would startle a Chemistry professor.  There are ladies who claim to be rubbish at maths, but woe betide you if you try to short-change them…

Your dear Admin’s mother has a pretty good theory about this: there are no role models. In this world of barbie-dolls, huge breasts and designer-clad celebrities, most people struggle to name many prominent female scientists or engineers. Every generation of women believes that they are virtually the first to be allowed into the sciences and industry. It is true that attitudes have taken time to change and there have been numerous issues (from suffrage, to reproductive rights, and more recent workplace harrassment legislation). Even today not all cultures are equal, and it can be a real struggle to reconcile expectations from society, family and work colleagues with individual aspirations. But feminism as a movement dates back to the Nineteenth century, and over that time there have been many notable women in Science and Technology.

With this in mind, Guerrilla Beauty is proud to present a list of female inspiration and role models for the Sciences, Engineering and Technology. The list is not exhaustive by a very long way, and you are welcome to comment with your own role models and inspiration. Find our list on the “Women We Love” page: http://guerrillabeauty.com/women-we-love/

If you are a woman who’s interested in science and technology (either as a career for yourself, or mentoring others) check out the following links:

The British Science Association are a registered charity that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering in the UK. They have plenty of events and competitions, including the British Science Festival, a program for schools, and fellowships for students:  http://www.britishscienceassociation.org

The UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology is the British Government’s lead organisation for the provision of advice, services and policy consultation regarding the under-representation of women in science, engineering, technology and the built environment (SET). They provide training grants, coaching and support. http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/

The WISE Campaign encourages young women to stick with studying Maths and Physics and to consider careers in Science, Engineering and The Built Environment http://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/

 The Fawcett Society campaigns for equality between women and men in the UK on pay, pensions, poverty, justice and politics. http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk

The Engineering Council  is the regulatory body for the engineering profession in the UK. http://www.engc.org.uk  They are partners with the various Engineering Institutions who can often offer support and training to students and engineers, as well as a programme of lectures and events. A list of the institutions can be found here

Girl Geek Dinners are the growing international phenomenon, where women working in science and IT can network and socialise. http://girlgeekdinners.com/

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Categories: Activism , Women