In mid-2003, the Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation met with Actua, an Ottawa-based organization dedicated to conducting outreach programs in engineering, science and technology for youth, and suggested that they undertake a professional review of the literature regarding the reasons why more girls do not choose engineering as a career. Actua was also asked to review the factors that influence girls to peruse other careers.
The Foundation Research Committee had previously identified a number of urban myths held by the general public with respect to women in engineering and young girls choosing engineering as a career. These were:
1. That women will never comprise more than 20 percent of the engineering population and that 20 per cent is enough.
2. That women are only interested in those engineering disciplines where they feel they can help people, such as in environmental or biological engineering.
3. That engineering study in a demanding one and that most young women either cannot cut it or will not be able to compete with their male colleagues.
4. That engineering practice is too rough for women, with 70-hour work weeks and no time for family.
5. That young girls are not good in math and science subjects so they will never either graduate or, if they do, they will not be good engineers.
6. That engineers have little impact on society.
As a result of number meeting with CEMF, Actua carried out three studies in 2003/04 and these are now available in PDF format:
1. Undergraduate Student Viewpoints
A review of what a selection of undergraduate students believe influenced their choice of their university program, the challenges facing women in engineering and how they view scholarship acquisition. Click HERE
2. Girls in Engineering and Science
This survey of 250 girls clearly indicates why it is important that they be engaged in engineering and science related projects at an early age. Click HERE
3. Literature Review
This is an extensive bibliography of over 40 literature sources that were used in the above studies. Click HERE