Project title: 50% for the future
Funding awarded: £98,722.00
Summary:
The representation of women within Swansea University’s mechanical engineering cohort is 8.5%. This project strives to address this under-representation via evidence-based, beneficiary defined interventions. The project has an ambitious overarching aim to act as a springboard to achieve “50% for the Future” equal representation of men and women, not only studying mechanical engineering at Swansea University, but within the profession.
What need does the project address?
Within the environment of dominant masculinity experienced by women studying mechanical engineering the school’s research confirms that women are negatively impacted demonstrating low self-confidence, self-efficacy, experiencing isolation, and lacking relatable role-models. “50% for the Future” will endeavour to create a more supported and enriching experience for women whilst studying. Creation of a more inclusive curriculum with a focus on mentoring and role-models will look to enhance our beneficiaries’ confidence with regards to pursuing a successful career within Mechanical Engineering.
What does the project consist of?
The project activities will be co-created by the project team and women student in the department. They will address the following identified challenges:
- The misconceptions of mechanical engineering
- Women students negatively impacted by male-dominated culture
- Leaky pipeline effect
What are the expected outcomes?
The key outcome will be the development of the 50% for the future strategy, based on the evidence gathered from the project activities. Long term goals are to use the learning to change accreditation and chartership criteria, to reduce the leaky pipeline effect, establish gender sensitive and effective outreach programming and establish proactive academic/industry mentoring network.