SAPinsider Technology Executive Forum Issue 1 2021

Q: Will the next generation see an increased rate of women entering the technology field? I’ve been dismayed watching the low percentage of females going into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees. We all know it isn’t because females aren’t as smart as their male counterparts, but they tend to choose fields where they can utilize their social, communication, and organizational skills instead. Perhaps they don’t feel like STEM degrees are fun. Today, women still account for less than a third of STEM degrees in many countries across the globe, and especially in engineering and IT. However, I was talking to a recently graduated female mechanical engineer who said 40% of her class was women, which is very impressive. Interestingly, even though she got her degree in engineering, what she really wanted to do — and what she is doing now — is designing shoes for a major footwear brand. She loves using her creativity and her technical background. I think it is important for parents and role models to encourage children to learn and understand more “We are seeing more and more major tech companies promote women in leadership, such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and others. While there is still room for improvement, I do see a shift happening. As these women lead the way, more women will have opportunities to advance in their fields.” —Sharon Kaiser SAPinsiderOnline.com 22