Female contribution to science
Women play an important role in science because they bring a greater diversity of perspectives and ideas. Women tend to have different life experiences and perspectives than men, which can help address complex problems in new and innovative ways. By including women, a scientific team can create a broader and more diverse base for its work and thus achieve better results. Greater gender diversity in the scientific community increases citation rates and scientific quality. According to a study by Scientific American, mixed teams are more likely to find innovative solutions and be more successful.
Women often have skills that are highly sought after in science, such as critical thinking, problem solving and empathy. Studies have shown that women are able to communicate more effectively and foster constructive collaboration in research teams. According to a study by Frontiers in Psychology, women perform as well or better than men in scientific and technical subjects. A Forbes article points out that women often perform better under pressure than men.
Women in science and technology have made important discoveries and developed innovative solutions that have helped change the world: From developing vaccines against deadly diseases to developing technologies to combat climate change and promote sustainability, women have played a crucial role.
Female contribution to the economy
The female contribution to the start-up scene is also crucial, leading to greater diversity, innovation and productivity in businesses. Startups founded by women generate 10 per cent more revenue than startups founded by men, a study by the Boston Consulting Group found. One reason for this, for example, is that women often have a better understanding of the needs of their target group. A study by the Journal of Economic Psychology also finds that women are usually better at weighing risks, which is an advantage in decision-making. Companies with high diversity in their board and management teams often achieved higher returns than their competitors, according to analyst McKinsey.
Women are also better at creating businesses with a social and sustainable purpose. Studies have shown that companies with female leadership are more inclined to integrate social responsibility and sustainability as part of their corporate strategy: LignoPure and Traceless Materials are both great examples from Hamburg of science startups founded by women that provide innovative solutions to social challenges.
Science startups founded by women are a remarkable example of how women are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in science and entrepreneurship. Women often face a number of challenges in this field, including stereotypes, unequal access to funding and resources, and a lack of female role models in the industry.
Obstacles to overcome
These points highlight the need to support women in science and entrepreneurship. It is important that women have access to funding and resources, and that stereotypes and prejudices that prevent women from succeeding in these fields are broken down. beyourpilot has made it its mission as a project to actively support and help break down barriers here. Women still face challenges in science and entrepreneurship:
- Gender bias: women are often not seen as equal and have a hard time being accepted and respected by colleagues, superiors and clients.
- Stereotypes: Women are often fixed in traditional gender roles and have to fight against stereotypes and prejudices that deny their competence.
- Unbalanced work-life balance: Many women still have the main responsibility for raising children and household, which is why they are often forced to work part-time.
- The sworn male world makes it difficult to access leadership and power positions.
Some possible solutions to these problems are:
- Gender sensitisation: organisations should provide training and awareness programmes to combat gender discrimination and stereotypes.
- Work-life balance: Organisations should offer flexible working conditions and childcare facilities to support women who want to balance family and career.
- Financial support: Governments and organisations should offer special funding programmes for women to facilitate their access to financing and venture capital.
- Network building: Women should be offered networking opportunities and mentoring programmes to connect and find support.
Final appeal
For International Women's Day, beyourpilot would like to encourage all women to pursue their passion and ambitions in the fields of research and entrepreneurship. Our project is committed to supporting women founders in their development in the best possible way. Don't be discouraged by doubts or negative comments. Use the support of mentors, networks and funding programmes to realise your ideas and projects. It is important to emphasise that we are in a time of change. There is a growing movement to promote equal opportunities, diversity and reconciliation in the workplace. All can contribute to enforce pay equity and gender justice at all levels and increase the visibility of underpaid or unpaid work. Successful women can serve as role models for the next generation of founders and leaders and support those who follow.
Together, let's create a world where women and men are equal and they can achieve their dreams without being hindered due to gender stereotypes or discrimination.
Happy International Women's Day!