Women in Science

Five years ago, MIT admitted that it discriminated against women scientists [PDF]. It paid women less, gave them fewer resources, treated them as if they were 'invisible' and even though it was graduating more women with PhDs, women's numbers in the science faculty hadn't changed in 10 years. Then in December of last year, MIT named their first first woman president -- Susan Hockfield, formerly of Yale's provost. While women's numbers are now catching up, or even surpassing men's, they're not being equally rewarded. The biggest problem is that if women decide to have a family, it is often equated with them not being serious about their careers. Coupled with long hours that compete with family accountabilities -- and let us face it, women DO do most of the work in the home -- the lack of female mentors and the 'old boys' network, it's impossible for women to progress in their careers and receive their equal share of the rewards. Read this BusinessWeek article on how Susan Hockfield is changing MIT and perhaps setting an example for other schools. There is also an interview with Hockfield -- yes, there's still hope for our daughters.

For a comprehensive study of Women in Science in Europe, check out this European Commission site.

This AWIS (Association for Women in Science) page also contains quite a bit of statistics of women in science.