The election in the United States of America of the first woman Vice President has been applauded as historic. While it begins to re-balance the gender imbalance, it also highlights the gender issue – women , or the absence of, in high office – in the first place.
In the field of nature conservation/ science/ etc , the high profile women are certainly there –
However – my question is : are there enough? Is there a gender imbalance? If so, why?
Does it really matter?
A good scientist is, surely, chosen for their professionalism, not for their gender…. ! ?
Or does the issue go much deeper than the above line of assumption would suggest ?
The latest quarterly report of IUCN species survival commission was very clear and upfront about its membership and its leadership was male heavy
Also, there are more and more ‘women in…’ groups…
STEM Women
National Geographic itself posted this article –
Why It’s Crucial to Get More Women Into Science
Amid growing signs that gender bias has affected research outcomes and damaged women’s health, there’s a new push to make science more relevant to them.
( https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/11/141107-gender-studies-women-scientific-research-feminist/ )
Forbes published this pertinent post –
The Need For More Women In STEM Roles Goes Beyond Simple Diversity
https://www.forbes.com/sites/biancabarratt/2018/11/17/the-need-for-more-women-in-stem-roles-goes-beyond-simple-diversity/
