Breaking Barriers: Women Revolutionizing STEM by Geddes-McAlister, Jennifer; Jennifer Geddes-McAlister; Sabine Van Doorslaer;

Short description:

With a focus on non-technical skills, this book raises awareness of the struggles of women in STEM, with an emphasis on the needs of mothers, while also acknowledging the needs of parents, carers and individuals.

Long description:

The representation of women in STEM remains notably lower than the percentage of female undergraduates with STEM degrees, which is particularly evident among leadership positions.

There are many issues attributed to this divide, including cultural, gender, and structural biases. Key to addressing these issues is understanding the unique challenges faced by women in STEM careers and how education, resources, support, and recognition can empower women to succeed.

This book brings awareness to current challenges faced by women in diverse STEM careers (academia, government, and industry), with an emphasis on the needs of mothers, while also acknowledging the needs of parents, carers, and individuals. There is a focus on institutional and personal challenges, and strategies for success and empowerment are also covered.

Chapters provide commentaries, interviews and stories of successful women from around the world supported by literature, statistics and research. The book provides strategies and opportunities to lower and overcome barriers, case studies of successful organizations (e.g., Moms in Proteomics), and strategies for positive policy changes.

Table of Contents:

• An Introduction to Breaking Barriers: Women Revolutionizing STEM
• Strategies to Empower and Overcome Challenges: A Case Study from Belgium
• The Funding Gap in Norway: A Comparison of European and Norwegian Research Councils Policies on
• Eligibility Extension Due to Maternity Leave
• Perspective on the Role of Women in Canadian Academic Institutions
• Women Scientists of India Who Broke the ---Glass Ceiling--- in Biological Sciences
• Perspective on Challenges Faced by Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars in Canada
• Moms in Academia: Striking the Balance of Mothering and Mentoring
• A Reflection of Sadness and Mistrust for a System Built to Support
• A Self-portrait with Personal Perspectives
• Transitioning Between Academia and Industry
• Transitioning from Industry to Government
• Academic Careers, Relocation, and the Complex Realities of Divorce
• Embracing Cooperative Leadership Amidst a Competitive Work Culture: Personal Reflections from a Mid career Female in Environmental Sciences
• Women Leaders and Strategies to Empower and Overcome Challenges
• Occupational Exposures to Chemicals in STEM Research and Risk for People Who Are Pregnant, Intend to Be Pregnant or Are Chest/Breastfeeding: A Narrative Review for Women in STEM
• Motherhood and Mental Health in STEM
• Global Initiatives Supporting Women in STEM
• Funding Foundations Driving Positive Change for Women and Mothers in STEM
• Synergy Scientific: Empowering the Humans Behind the Science to Lead, Thrive, and Innovate with Heart
• Moms in Proteomics: Building Community, Recognition, and Change
• Epilogue