WISE and the IET have joined forces to accelerate the pursuit of gender equality in the UK STEM sectors.
In a groundbreaking move set to move the dial in STEM, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) Campaign have forged a powerful alliance, with a mission to propel women into 35% of STEM roles by the year 2030.
With women currently comprising only 25% of the Core-STEM workforce, there’s a wealth of untapped potential waiting to be unlocked.
Recognising this, the IET and WISE are teaming up to accelerate progress towards gender equality, particularly as the demand for STEM skills continues to soar.
Dr Laura Norton, the IET’s Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, and now also the Managing Director of WISE, said: “The number of women in STEM occupations has doubled to 1.4 million in the past decade thanks to the hard work of organisations like WISE and the IET – it’s fair to say progress has been made but there’s a long way to go to reach gender parity.
Their collaboration promises to amplify impact and create a robust platform, building upon the strengths of both organisations. It harnesses the power of flagship initiatives such as WISE’s Ten Steps Programme and the IET’s esteemed Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards, all aimed at driving tangible change within the sector.
Trudy Norris-Grey BA (Hons) FCCA Chair, WISE Board, said: “This integration represents a huge opportunity for all the individuals, communities and organisations that we both serve.
“By coming together, we are better equipped with the ambition and the tools to significantly make a difference to the gender balance in the sector to achieve our united goal for 35% of women in STEM roles by 2030.
“Jointly, we have an incredible track-record, heritage, and drive to truly move the dial on gender diversity and to advancing EDI excellence for the benefit of all.”
With a seasoned EDI team and a rich legacy of championing women in STEM, the IET brings decades of experience to the table, exemplified by initiatives like the Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards, which has been celebrating women’s contributions for over 45 years.
Meanwhile, WISE boasts a suite of impactful projects, including the Ten Steps framework and the My Skills My Life scheme, alongside flagship events such as the WISE Conference and WISE Awards.