National Inclusion Week 2024 – Why impact matters in STEM
This year’s National Inclusion Week theme of ‘Impact Matters’ is integral to tackling gender parity in STEM. Impact centres around the power of data and the importance of monitoring and measuring success to enable us to take action that leads to sustainable change.
Why is inclusion so important in STEM?
We’re all too aware of the skills shortage within our sector, with women still only making up 26% of the current STEM workforce. Inclusion gives us diversity of thought, it helps us challenge perspectives and ensures we stay at the forefront of greatness to deliver products, services and ideals that benefit us all.
Being inclusive by design is essential in bridging the gender gap, which is why WISE is dedicated to improving inclusivity and achieving gender parity within STEM – to ensure everyone has a positive experience at work and is treated equally regardless of who they are.
So, do you really know your employees?
Data matters. Gathering data is essential in helping us understand our workforce and identify the support necessary to help them be their best selves at work. When we better understand, measure and evaluate the impact we’re having, we can ensure diversity and inclusion initiatives are successful and targeted.
Typically, inclusive employers see a higher level of employee loyalty and retention. Inclusivity fosters an environment where employees feel more comfortable sharing their ideas which creates better communication and leads to fresh perspectives and improved problem-solving.
With this in mind we’re hosting a webinar on Leveraging data for EDI success on Wednesday 25 September, 11am-12.30pm. This session will look at the importance of EDI data, use examples of where data has led to change and look at the use and impact of data in WISE’s ten steps framework. Register to attend here.
Working with WISE
In the STEM sector reducing barriers and creating a place for everyone is something we must all play our part in to ensure gender parity.
At WISE much of our work is about celebrating and showcasing the incredible women within a sector that for too long has been burdened with stereotypes.
My Skills My Life
We’re always looking to grow our My Skills My Life resource and showcase the incredible talent within the STEM workforce. Promoting the fantastic work women do within STEM allows future generations and women to uncover new opportunities and a world of future careers not previously imaginable.
If you’re an active member make sure your organisation has got a profile on My Skills My Life. If you’re an individual doing great things, we’d love for you to create a profile to be one of our role models.
Training and Workshops
We at WISE are committed to helping organisations and individuals realise their potential to positively impact inclusion within STEM, to ensure women have an equal place. Why not use National Inclusion Week as the perfect opportunity to upskill your staff through our training and support measures. We cover a variety of topics including allyship, unconscious bias as well as an introduction to diversity & inclusion to help those less confident take their first steps in better understanding inclusion in the workplace.
You can find out more about the support we offer at WISE and how you can get involved on our website.