IET and WISE join forces to significantly move the dial on gender diversity in STEM

The IET and the Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) Campaign have joined forces to accelerate the pursuit of gender equality in the UK STEM sector, with the goal of 35% of roles to be filled by women by 2030.

According to recent government statistics, women make up 29% of the current STEM workforce – this remains the biggest and largest untapped talent pool for engineering, science and technology, and as the engineering skills deficit widens, the IET and WISE want to increase the pace of change.

Dr Laura Norton, IET Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and new WISE Managing Director, said: “The number of women in STEM occupations has doubled to 1.4 million in the past decade thanks to the hard work of organisations like WISE and the IET – it’s fair to say progress has been made but there’s a long way to go to reach gender parity.

“Together we can increase our impact and drive forward a stronger platform which builds on the leading products and services we both deliver including WISE’s Ten Steps Programme and the IET’s role in championing women in the sector through its Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards.”

Trudy Norris-Grey BA (Hons) FCCA Chair, WISE Board, said: “This integration represents a huge opportunity for all the individuals, communities and organisations that we both serve. By coming together, we are better equipped with the ambition and the tools to significantly make a difference to the gender balance in the sector to achieve our united goal for 35% of women in STEM roles by 2030. Jointly, we have an incredible track-record, heritage, and drive to truly move the dial on gender diversity and to advancing EDI excellence for the benefit of all.”

The IET has an experienced EDI team and has been promoting and celebrating women working in the sector through various campaigns and initiatives such as its Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards for over 45 years. WISE’s products include its trademarked ‘Ten Steps Programme’ and ‘My Life My Skills Programme’, as well as the WISE Conference and WISE Awards.

Dr Norton added: “WISE will continue to operate under its current model, in parallel to the IET, to ensure the two organisations can deliver the biggest impact and value to our members and customers.

“We want to hit at least 35% of UK STEM roles filled by women by 2030 and together I believe we can make this happen.”