In 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established February 11th as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. Hexagon supports gender diversity in the industry and in our organization through our culture and people initiatives.
For International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Hexagon celebrates the achievements and contributions of women and girls in the field of science and technology. This day serves as a reminder of the crucial role that women and girls play in advancing the field and the importance of promoting gender equality and diversity.
Despite accounting for nearly half of the total workforce, women are still underrepresented in STEM, with men constituting 73% of all STEM workers in the U.S. In the UK, the number of women in STEM has surpassed the 1 million mark, with an increase of 216,552 since 2016, accounting for 24% of the STEM workforce. WISE, using data trends from the past decade (2009-2019), estimates that by 2030, the representation of women in the STEM workforce will reach 29%.
At Hexagon, we are proud to have a commitment to promoting gender diversity in the workplace. Our goal is to achieve at least 30% women in leading positions by 2025, and we are taking concrete steps to achieve this target.
STEM occupations are a crucial component of innovation, encompassing roles such as engineers, medical scientists, sociologists, and information security analysts. In 2019, an estimated 10.8 million people were employed in STEM jobs in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau.
At Hexagon, we believe it’s crucial to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of women in science and technology. We are excited to launch a series of blog posts that will showcase a small selection of the many women at Hexagon who are making history and leaving their mark on our company and industry.
Gender diversity in STEM is essential for driving innovation, creating better products and services, and promoting social and economic progress. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s continue to encourage and support the participation of women and girls in STEM fields and create a more inclusive and diverse industry for everyone.
Supporting Women and Girls in STEM: Resources
To continue promoting and encouraging women and girls to pursue careers and interests in STEM, here are a few resources:
- Code with Google: This free resource teaches children the basics of computer science and coding
- Engineer Girl: Created by the National Academy of Engineering, this website highlights the fascinating prospects of a career in engineering for girls and women
- Girls Who Code: This organisation is aimed at eliminating the gender disparity in the field of technology and changing the stereotypical perception of a programmer
- Physics Girl: This YouTube channel provides a captivating journey through the physical sciences with a range of engaging and accessible videos — all for free
- Smithsonian Science Education Center: The Smithsonian offers resources for students of all genders with the aim of fostering first-hand experiences in STEM and empowering girls and young women to become the trailblazers of tomorrow
