The Eastern Swiss University of Applied Sciences is conducting a research project to address the problem of the low proportion of women in technical professions. Women are less likely to choose technical careers and are more likely to leave the industry than men. This has an impact on the impending shortage of skilled workers in IT and other technical professions.
Currently the proportion of women in the ICT professional field is 17% and among ICT learners it is only 13%. Despite previous measures, these numbers remain low. Switzerland is one of the OECD countries with the lowest proportion of women in the MINT sector, and many women leave these professions prematurely.
The Eastern Swiss University of Applied Sciences would like to develop solutions through its research project. The Institute for Gender and Diversity (IGD) plans to survey career starters, students and female learners in the MINT sector about their needs and expectations. The results of this survey are complemented by interviews to identify concrete changes in companies that can help women stay in STEM careers in the long term.
The collaboration takes place with companies such as Liip and Bühler. Based on the survey results, these companies will take action to put the findings into practice by 2025. The aim is to improve the conditions for women in MINT professions.
In addition, those involved in the project are planning to create a catalog of recommendations that will also be made available to other companies that are not directly involved in the project. Partner companies such as Infinicon, Linde Kryotechnik and Ruag are also involved, and the project is supported by various organizations and associations, including IT Rockt, the Center for Diversity & Inclusion at the University of St. Gallen, Swissmem, the Swiss Association of Women Engineers, SATW Swiss Tecladies and Techface.