Why do so many women leave their careers in STEM? | Prasha Dutra | TEDxWilsonPark
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ต.ค. 2020
- Getting women in STEM isn't the real problem. This is - Prasha Sarwate Dutra is an engineer, podcaster and a career coach, on a mission to help women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) believe in their brilliance. Less than a decade ago, Prasha moved to the US to live her American dream and now works full time at a Manufacturing company in Rhode Island. She has a M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering and B.Sc in Chemical Engineering. Prasha is the host of Her STEM Story, a weekly podcast that helps women in STEM excel in their STEM careers and beyond. In the last 2 years, she has interviewed over 125 women in STEM from around the world, organized two online conferences and built a community of over 12,000+ on social media. She started Her STEM Consulting, LLC to provide customized coaching and consulting for women to help them take their careers to the next level. She loves podcasting, public speaking and cooking Indian food! Check out her podcast at www.herstemstory.com. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
Well, to tell you the truth, I went to STEM only because of money, I wanted to have a solid salary. But now I am so disappointed, that I haven't followed my heart.
Never too late to do that, especially if you have a solid income from a STEM job
I was watching the news the other day and they interviewed 4 women of color who are all naval ship commanders, all come from a STEM background. Progress is being made!
I saw that too, on NBC!
They no doubt had to fight 10 times as hard as men did to get there.
saw it too!!!
I disagree a naval ship commander is not a stem job meaning they left the stem field.
saw it!
Great perspective to have. I completely relate that while there is much hype over getting more women in STEM, the issue of retaining them over a longer term is receiving less attention than it deserves. Great to see people like you, Prasha, taking a budding step to solve this!
Thank you Zu Ler!!! I’m so glad you liked it.🙌🏽
Such an insightful talk Prasha. I’m so proud to have found you joined your 1:1 coaching.
Prasha, so proud of you. Great advice. 100% agree with you on finding relatable role models that are only 2-3 steps ahead of you.
Thank you Sundas! Really appreciate your support & you are def one of my personal role models in STEM.
Amazingg!!! So happy to see this!
This is so much valuable! A great TEDX Talk!!!wow! An amazing one! So many great stories of women in STEM! Very inspiring!!!
I agree Prasha, we need to believe in our brilliance and connect with other women in STEM. I created my Instagram account about 2 months ago and the community is so supportive. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Yarely! I’m so happy you liked the talk.
An engaging talk with a great message. Well done Prasha!
My sister was in engineering in University, and the behavior of the men-boys was horrible, always pushing her down, pushing her out and pushing her buttons.
:(
There is definitely a level of "banter" or so it's called that is needed to work with men in some environments. I look forward to us all being a little kinder to each other
If you are easily back down by some harsh comments that's really shows your commitment in the first place
It's banter. Men do it to other men to, that just how men function.
@@milosjanic1038 doesnt make it right
I am so proud of knowing you. What a great talk. I am sure I have to come back here again whenever I need motivation. And I am pretty sure I am not the only one who is going to do that.❣
Nice presentation, well done.
There is very important point many people may miss while looking for a meaningful career it could be both Men and Women. These are self fulfillment and defining life priorities. I think if we don't actually belong somewhere or someone we tend to live in illusion and after some time we realise maybe what we are doing is not what we want so we start to searching for something else that may fit us. Because fundamentally we haven't found ourselves to fill the gap inside us thus, our decisions will be affected always by external attributes.
In conclusion, finding life lessons from other role models is a good try yet one will need more than that and that is inside us. While we look outside we shall not miss getting deep inside us to find missing pieces.
Great speech, Prasha! I think this will help motivate a lot of women in STEM. Very good tips as well.
“Happiness is only real when shared”
― Jon Krakauer
I have always believed that any experience or situation is what you make of it, but when you're constantly faced with obstacles and without support of people who are going something similar, it is very difficult to keep your head up.
Prasha your work is so needed and this talk was absolutely powerful! I think we need to care more for the women that already took a chance on their career and decided to become a STEM woman. And empowering women to find a role model is such a great step in that direction. Well-spoken!
Thank you soooooo much Marjolaine! It wouldn’t have been possible without your help!🙌🏽
Great talk, Prasha! Loved your 3 tips on how to find relatable role models in STEM.
Thanks Raeesa! I’m so happy you found it useful!
When people appreciate what you are doing, yeah, they can motivate you to become even better in what you are doing!
Well said!
Congratulations Prasha! Great talk!
Thank you Sam! Really appreciate it!
“Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.”
― Voltaire
great quote and fitting!
yes thats true
Love this!
haha thats superb!
Voltaire is awesome!
Great Job Prasha! You go girl :)
Forcing girls into a field that they will eventually hate is a bad idea. They are wasting time and money. I worked with several girl programmers. One kept saying she wished she became an eye doctor. Another was pushed into programming and hated life, she is now a happy Veterinarian. Those that found programming on their own are the happy ones.
Also, what fields do you want these smart girls to leave to be in STEM? Law, education, nursing?
I agree, that's why we need to create a safe, interesting and a STEM world that's more welcoming for girls who come in. I personally think any career that will make girls independent and financially stable is the best way to guide them. Financial freedom allows women to make life choices without depending on anyone, so that can be a great way to decide. :)
There are plenty of women who love STEM, but when you don't have colleagues around you that are going through the same as you it makes it difficult. Maybe those women you worked with didn't have a supportive work environment.
@@dariasotnykova Amen
Some women face issues to manage personal life because these jobs take almost the whole day to do tasks due to dead lines pressure.
Prasha is the best at analyzing at what is seemingly a large and complicated problem and then breaks it down into simple and actionable steps you can take to find a solution. The perfect framework for this awesome Ted Talk!!
Thank you Khamini! I really appreciate it!🙌🏽
We are finally facing these problems and it is so interesting to hear about. Prasha saw a problem and now she is creating a community to fix it. Although we may not be happy about what problems arise and we may seem them as unfair and unjust, we must have these experiences to move forward and pave the way for future generations.
Creating a system of support is the ultimate.
Great speech all the best👍😊
True, we have to learn how to keep women in STEM rather than just attracting them.
I think that goes for every industry
Nice to see a man agree!
@@paddywilson-humble3003 Exactly Paddy!
We don't have to, they need to learn how to keep themselves in stem. Did we need anyone figuring out how to keep us in stem? No. So if they really want it, they'll figure it out for themselves.
Very relevant and spoke very well
Thank you!💕
This👏Is👏So👏Insightful👏
agree it is!
This discussion is very important. Getting more girls only to result in more leaving does not solve the problem. Great talk Prasha and wonderful points made!
Thank you Madison! I appreciate your support 😍
I never liked STEM, but my best girlfriend became a scientist. I think a desire to be in STEM depends on the person, not the gender.
Thank you for representing women in stem!!!
Thanks Arjita🙌🏽
Amazing talk Prasha! So glad I found you on Insta :)
Thank you Shivani💕
I see more and more girls who are coming to STEM. I think this situation will be getting better and better in future.
Well said ,we need to address the leaking bucket to improve women’s contribution to STEM.Loved the talk Prasha.👍
Thanks Mausi! This means a lot!!
Hopefully, now girls can choose any profession they want.
You are my role model now
There's something really special when you are working among like minded people with a shared purpose. When you know you can be honest, make mistakes and grow and learn together, the possibilities seem endless! I think what Prasha is saying here really goes towards all industries but I'm not entirely sure it has to do with a gender divide as much as it does to do with - women are a little more switched on and unwilling to sacrifice their happiness for a job.
Thank you!
No dream is too big. I understand that now. I always wanted to become a developer, and my dream is going to come true soon.
@Kaylee Washington I am lol
Yes! Thank you Prasha for addressing this! We are trying to get women into STEM rather than making steps to have STEM work for women. It is an old model that requires women who enter the field to work in ways that aren’t long term for women and almost outs them the minute they choose to live as women instead of ‘scientists’. They have so many things to offer the industry and STEM is missing out for mot working with them!
I agree so much Betta! We have so much to offer, our way of thinking could lead to so much more potential .
I LEAVE COMPUTER SCIENCE BECAUSE IT WAS SO DIFÍCULT FOR ME , I CHANGE MY CARRER AND IM HAPPY NOW
would someone tell me the tldr? what was the reason women in stem workforce are leaving?
Tldr;
people can lose motivation if they do not have good role models, so find women you can relate to in stem that inspire you. Also it's a plug for her podcast lol so follow that seems good
Summary
Women get lose their motivation because they lack good role models. The speaker found herself inspired when she started a podcast interviewing women, initially to get more young girls into stem. This lead her to believe that it would greatly help women if they could see role models that are thriving in their work. So she proposes that people seek out women in stem in their own circles, or on instagram a few steps ahead of where they are. This makes them feel more relatable to you. However, you should look for women in a broad range of work, not just the degree or speciality you want. Specifically women who talk about their struggles and how they overcame them, opened new possibilities, to give you a toolbox in your own life.
@@avarice8919 I have no role models in STEM. Yet I persevere. If you need role models to get you to maintain motivation, that is your problem.
@@theplasmacollider6431 It's great that you persevere. However, I don't see how having role models or seeking community is a bad thing? Yes, if someone is feeling discouraged because they don't feel represented in a certain field, it is their problem to deal with. This TED talk shows a possible solution, so I don't really see your point.
@@avarice8919 It's not a bad thing. It's preferred. But don't rely on role models or heroes because they will disappoint you eventually. My point is that, ultimately, you need to find the inner strength to persevere not rely on any person to inspire you.
We need more women teaching in STEM, more women in positions of power in STEM, that leads to more opportunity for all women.
Yes! Women inspiring women!
Y do would U want to F' up the world ?
There needs to be more women brick layers. There is more men as brick layers. This will lead to more opportunity for all women!!
What we need is qualified PEOPLE regardless of their gender. I don't give a f whether it is a woman or a kangaroo.
The opportunities are already there, women just don't choose to go or stay.
It has only been in the past 15 years that we have seen a push for STEAM (Arts MUST be included in this as it's hugely significant in innovation) curriculums in schools. There will be more and not just that, there will be endless support for women and girls in STEAM as I am sure they will be taking over such areas.
The more we talk about it, the more normalized it is becoming.
@@jacquelinehogan3313 🥰
It is true. And the more we discuss gender stereotypes the more people will realise no career, no identity, no way of dressing is strictly for one gender or another
I've seen it mentioned in another comment but perhaps the problem is not including the A. From what I gather, STEAM is about ensuring we anticipating the 22nd century which will evolve around community, care and culture. I think if perhaps it was presented in a way that showed how all encompassing STEAM is there wouldn't be those saying it's a gendered role, because it's definitely not!
Why do so many people leave out the A! You can't have Science, Tech, Engineering and Math without ART!
This frustrates me also.
@@cattunes STEMA? Already sounds more appealing!
@@marinamajeran8904 I belive it's STEAM instead of STEM.
I've heard it before but diversity breeds innovation. We need all walks of life being interested in different things.
True! So true! Perspective brings so much to the table.
@@eva-singer 👍
I disagree a bit. When I lived in Korea, I met a hurdle in advanced math in high school. I couldn’t understand. My brain couldn’t turn shapes around quickly. The U.S. SAT is really easy so americans might not realize the problem but in Korea, the math advances to college entry exam level, boys outperform girls significantly. In the top 1% , the number of boys is 5 times higher. Considering how we were tutored and beaten up by teachers in math class since 13, I don’t think education created the gender gap in math. Men just tend to have a brain thats more fit as an engineer.
I work in education, and there are WAY more boys in our computer science and robotics classes than girls. Why? We are trying to get girls into these classes, but it's just harder to convince them. We have the opposite issue with cadets. We can't get any of the boys to join our cadet program. It's like pulling teeth. The boys don't want to "take care of" a lot of the lower classmen or kids with disabilities in my experience. Why can't people just accept that boys and girls are NOT equal, they are not the same?
@@benjaminmesa1089 I tried the engineering route, and I'm finding out it's not my thing. I can figure out electronics around the house, but for as a career. It's not something that calls my attention as a female. Maybe if there were more products towards women, that hiring a female would be ideal instead of putting ourselves in male-related positions and eventually given the opportunity to do something for women that may take years. Sometimes, I just see that things are built without the need for them in society.
I work with beautiful woman who works in sales. She went to a good school and got biology related degree and worked at a science institution...but quit because she was in a very boring and unsocial environment. Now she meets with clients and has alot of male FB followers.
I still hear the stories when men chuckle when they see women who work in stem, and I am ashamed to be a man...
Prasha Dutra does not address the elephant in the room: WHY do women quit their jobs in STEM?
I am guessing for two reasons:
1 - They choose a career in STEM not because they are fascinated by technology, but because their teachers, the girl power activists and popular culture all say that this would be the best career to have, with a good salary and high status. Then after a few years they realize that they are unfulfilled, working with things instead of people, and looking forward to a work life of hard graft and competition in their less than favorite field. Having a role model will not necessarily make that outlook any better.
2 - They meet a nice guy at work, an engineer with a great job who makes more than they do. They choose marriage and family over a career. After a few years away from a technology field, it becomes difficult to rejoin the workforce as the technology changes fast.
Strong insight. Thanks.
BASTA DE MANDAR ESE VIDEO
Here let me tell you why. Most women go in for the sake of "equality" and feminism, but because most women don't like it and find it boring they never do anything with it. The end.
You get girls in stem by giving them started early, however they need to live on their own merit, not on their gender as HR like to focus on that.
Thier is no urgent need of women in STEM if you want you can certainly apply just don't force girls to take different career path just because STEM is dominated by men so just we can have have 50/50 of both genders
truth
Here's a mindblow: Men are NOT keeping women OUT of STEM. Sorry to break it to you. Women aren't "fighting harder" to get into STEM. There are just simply less women interested. Plain and simple. How do I know this? Because I work in education and have seen it, year after year...over and over.
Women in stem are incredibly mistreated and are driven out by arrogant and rude individuals
Btw just to clarify: it’s not men keeping women out as much as it is gender stereotypes
Shut up stem don't need woman but stem need everyone
NEWS FLASH: Men and women are wired different. Why? I don't know, ask God why. Period, end of story.
Women ask why there aren't many girls in STEM but they choose to study gender studies 😂
Women get out of stem 😎😎
Because most women would rather paint there fingernails 8 hrs a day if you let them. Also because they are walking that line of morality on a daily basis. Very hard to work with someone like that.
Sure, because all women are the same to you, right? Jfc, y'all act as if a woman can't have a personality, likes and dislikes
Maybe stop forcing women to study subjects and take up jobs they don't enjoy? Men and women are different and have their own strengths!!!!!