Change the System, Not the Women

Change the system, not the women

Award-winning biogeochemist and environmental engineer Janet Hering will discuss the intersection of feminism, engineering, and research institutions.

Despite many arguments to increase the representation of women in academic leadership in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM), progress continues to be slow. Presentations on this topic often start with a description of the problem. Since I would prefer not to spend time on this, I have posted a list of five “Starting points of (assumed) agreement” that can be viewed or downloaded here. With this, I hope to have more time for discussion, which can include the “Starting points…” if I have overestimated our agreement. My presentation will address the systemic barriers to women’s advancement and how they can be overcome. I will explore these issues in the context of the responsibility of universities and academic research institutions to address major challenges facing society.