Table 1 Categorisation of factors influencing women’s STEM career paths (number of references contributing to each sub-category across participants).
From: A study of factors affecting women’s lived experiences in STEM
Barriers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gendered workplace | Old boys’ club (77) | Lack of confidence to complain (54) | Isolation (62) | Difficulty gaining promotion (38) | Harassment (36) |
Sexism and gender stereotypes | Perceptions of gendered ability (60) | Few role models (45) | Childhood experiences (39) | Uninformed about STEM (70) | |
Expectations about women’s responsibilities | Motherhood (76) | Work–family balance (56) | |||
Enablers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aptitude | Determined and resilient nature (74) | Broad skill base (41) | Belief in equal ability (43) | Natural STEM aptitude (43) | |
Role models and mentors | Teachers (29) | Mentor (51) | Female role model (49) | Supportive family environment (32) | |
Supportive workplace | Increased gender equity (36) | Positive discrimination (19) | |||
Internal motivations | Interest as young girl (32) | Lifelong interest (70) | Desire to do purposeful work (28) | ||
