It is no secret that the sciences, like many industries, are male-dominated, self-perpetuating and struggle to break this endless cycle. Whilst progress is being made in many areas, the statistics don’t lie – there is still a very long way to go. So in an attempt to combat this narrative, a university with the top physics department meets a top physicist to discuss these realities. Enter Cambridge Professor Athene Donald and her book Not Just for the Boys: Why we need more Women in Science.
Beginning with a variety of shocking statistics and stark realities, Donald invites audiences to question ‘What do you expect a scientist to look like?’, before descending into the range of challenges young girls face from an early age regarding their futures. From views of the likes of Katharine Birbalsingh, to the lack of female scientists in the National Curriculum, and even to blatant sexism from Computer Engineer Barbie, it is no wonder that “boys get by on battle and power, girls on magic”.
Plagued by SU Auditorium technical issues, Donald powered on, calling out those who remain silent as perpetuating an industry that means “men [are] predicted to outnumber women in physics until 2158”, if they even stay in the industry at all. Speaking to my own experiences, she commented on how universities are “losing the women, even if they start out”, which as a former scientist myself who has moved onto new sectors, was particularly relatable to me, and speaks to the hardships that women from all backgrounds are, and continue to, face in academia, despite ‘best’ efforts.
So where do we go from here? Donald was resolute: “a fundamental change of culture” must be the way forward, with everyone playing their part to stamp out conscious and unconscious biases in our own lives. Her talk led to a range of women in the audience sharing their own experiences and thoughts, some even being followed up with support from event organisers, in what is a touching demonstration of the need for these conversations, and a stark reality as to the rate of change in a variety of settings.
This was compounded further with the case study of Ben Barres, a Trans+ scientist who found after transitioning, his work and thoughts were held in much higher regard than pre-transition. This could not have been more personal to me, and has left me considering how this dynamic may have played out for my own career, had I remained in the sciences.
Professor Athene Donald has had an illustrious career in physics, and become an inspiration to women and girls everywhere, symbols which are often lacking in the world in which we should be encouraging children to enter. But her latest pursuit, and the resulting book, show the importance of equality and the consequences when this is not achieved. Her words, ringing resolute speak volumes: “Fix the system, not the women – and everyone has a part to play”
Rating: ★★★★☆
Not Just for the Boys: Why we need more Women in Science was published in May 2023. Other Off the Shelf Festival events can be found here
