Gender is Still on the Agenda in Geosciences: Paths to Equity and Equality Start With Leadership's Commitment to Change
Abstract
Workplace diversity is central to driving innovation and invention through input of a range of perspectives and approaches, which has been proven to optimise performance. However, women and other underrepresented groups continue to face barriers to careers and career progression within STEM fields and Geosciences due to discrimination, bias, stereotypes, workplace structure and culture. We need to move beyond a 'fixing women' approach that put the onus on women to adapt and build fairer workplaces by focusing on institutional change to 'fix the system'. The path to lasting change starts with the commitment and accountability of leaders in creating gender inclusive workplaces. Examples of innovative leader-driven initiatives to address gender equity and the career advancement of women include 'Male Champions for Change' and the 'The Leadership Shadow' model in Australia. Within the higher education sector, major advances in the removal of structural barriers have been made through engagement with initiatives such as the Athena SWAN charter (UK and Ireland), and Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE; Australia) pilot program. Such schemes require commitment from university leaders to support and resource their respective institutes to lead an evidence-based evaluation of policy, practices and cultural change to drive gender equity and diversity. The Athena SWAN framework and process has inspired the USA's STEM Equity Achievement (SEA) Change program and a 'Made-in-Canada' Athena SWAN charter is currently being established. Examples of systemic changes achieved through engagement in these programs include: the overhaul of academic promotion schemes to create more flexible career pathways, the implementation of improved parental leave and flexible work policies and procedures, the establishment of new academic job types, and unconscious bias training for hiring panels. In support of institutional change, women-focused geoscience networks are active throughout the world with many striving to eliminate stereotypes, increase the visibility of women and provide role models.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFM.U23B..04H
- Keywords:
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- 0855 Diversity;
- EDUCATION;
- 6630 Workforce;
- PUBLIC ISSUES