The United Nations has been a longtime supporter of gender equality and women’s rights, and as such they have named today the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 2020 is the fifth year that the day has been celebrated worldwide.
Omachron proudly employs women in the field of research and development. Our staff includes female engineers, technicians and researchers who are well versed in multiple areas of science. We have a great appreciation for the importance of women and girls in science. Our own children have grown up in the world of science and have always been encouraged to pursue this exciting field!
In 2016 the Canadian Government reported that 34% of STEM bachelor’s degrees were held by women. The worldwide average for women in research and development was reported at 29.3%. The countries with the highest rates are Central Asia with 48.2%, and Latin America and the Caribbean reporting 45.1%. North America is sitting at a respectable 39.3%, with great prospects for the future.
There are many major female contributors to
the world of science, ranging from fields in pharmacology, space, to quantum theory. Women in science is not a new phenomenon, there have been 54 female Nobel Prize winners since its inception in 1895. Marie Curie was the first female winner in 1903. There has been a surge in investment by governments and schools who are taking liberties at a young age to encourage women in the fields of STEM. We can see it working - Forbes recently reported that in a National STEM competition, all 5 winners were girls for the first time. Recently our local Durham College hosted a Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades conference. This event allowed the female students to participate in workshops for code building, robot making, construction, welding, sheet metal, water testing, and automotive repairs. Many businesses and corporations are creating programs specifically for young girls to enter the field. Google created an initiative called “Girls Who Code” which provides clubs, seminars, and workshops for girls from Grades 3-12.
In our corner of the plastics industry there are forums and groups specifically for women. Women Breaking the Mold, is a networking forum for women in industry to connect and share their successes and struggles. International Association of Plastics Distribution hosts a Women in Plastics group with educational workshops. Women in Plastics is a UK group who support and mentor others in industry. Plastics News regularly features a section of women in plastic interviews and blogs.
We will continue to employ great women in our industry, and encourage younger generations of females to pursue STEM. We recently released a video for National Inventors Day, where our chief scientist explained how his experience with mentors helped shape his path. "My mentors took time when I was a very young man to teach me. I had an interest and they fueled that enthusiasm... Young people need mentor ship. I challenge you to go out and take your skills and help teach the next generation." We encourage you to take this challenge on!
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