The subtle ostracism faced by women in engineering: has anything changed?

Abstract

Women in engineering continue to face obstacles throughout their engineering degree. Universities attempt to increase the numbers of women entering the programme, however, the number of women graduating from engineering continues to be less than 20%. This research sought to identify if there are still challenges experienced by female undergraduate and graduate students that contribute to the systemic issue of inequity throughout post-secondary degree programmes at a medium-sized institution through gender-nonspecific inquiries. A total of 372 students actively participated in a 21-question cross-sectional mixed-method survey. Three themes were identified relating to culture, gender and personhood. The built environment created physical barriers, while the attitudes of male peers, teaching assistants and professors led to negative experiences. Stereotypes and the lack of role models influenced one’s sense of belonging and led to feelings of imposter syndrome. Attitudinal shifts are required to encourage the engagement and successful completion of women in post-secondary programmes