Lights, Camera, Action: how film places STEM women in the spotlight

Women and men in STEM industries are already well aware of the issues surrounding lack of diversity and equality. They recognise the disparity across the board and the leaky pipeline where great talent simply drips away. But outside of the industry, who is aware of these challenges, and who realises how many brilliant women are behind numerous innovations that shape our modern life?

Film and television are integral to most people's daily lives in some form. Therefore, they serve as an excellent medium for raising awareness about women in STEM, whether real or fictional, and encouraging more women to enter the industry. The phrase "you can’t be what you can’t see" is often heard, which only further highlights the importance of representation. When women see themselves in someone else, they realise – it is possible. That could be me.

Exploring inspirational women in STEM through film and TV

Hidden Figures (2016)

This film tells the true story of three African-American female mathematicians – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – who were crucial to NASA during the early US space programme.

Katherine Johnson’s precise calculations were essential for NASA's space missions.

Dorothy Vaughan was a pioneering computer programmer and NASA’s first African-American Manager, leading her team through the early days of digital computing.

Mary Jackson became NASA's first black female engineer, breaking barriers in aeronautics despite numerous obstacles.

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe bring these incredible women to life, highlighting their critical roles in the Space Race and their struggles and triumphs against racial and gender barriers.

Gravity (2013)

Gravity tells the story of Dr. Ryan Stone, a fictional female engineer based on real-life Dr. Mae Jemison, on her first space mission. Dr. Stone, played by Sandra Bullock, survives a space disaster through her ingenuity and expertise, reflecting the real-life challenges and accomplishments of astronauts like Dr. Jemison.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

In this fictional film, the people of Wakanda defend their home from external threats. In real life, Dr. Alice Bowman is the Mission Operations Manager for NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto, leading groundbreaking space exploration efforts with precision and innovation.

Letitia Wright portrays Shuri, a genius inventor and scientist who develops advanced technologies for Wakanda. Shuri’s character has inspired many young women to envision themselves as capable innovators in tech and engineering, akin to Dr. Bowman in real life.

Inspirational fictional female STEM characters

Dana Scully (The X-Files): Played by Gillian Anderson, Dana Scully is a medical doctor and FBI agent who uses her scientific expertise to investigate paranormal phenomena, inspiring women to pursue careers in science.

Amy Farrah Fowler and Bernadette Rostenkowski (The Big Bang Theory): Played by Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch, Amy is a neurobiologist, and Bernadette is a microbiologist. Their characters highlight the everyday lives and challenges of women in science, making these careers relatable and aspirational.

Jillian Holtzmann, Erin Gilbert, and Abby Yates (Ghostbusters, 2016): Played by Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, and Melissa McCarthy, these scientists use their knowledge to battle supernatural entities, showing that women in tech can be both smart and fearless.

Cameron Howe (Halt and Catch Fire): Played by Mackenzie Davis, Cameron is a programming prodigy and video game designer during the personal computing revolution, representing the pioneering spirit of women in tech.

Addressing the lack of women in tech and engineering

Despite these inspirational figures, several factors contribute to the ongoing disparity in STEM:

Cultural stereotypes and bias: Persistent stereotypes about gender roles in STEM discourage many girls from pursuing these careers from a young age. These stereotypes are reinforced by societal expectations and media portrayals that often depict men as more suited to technical roles.

Lack of role models and mentors: The scarcity of visible female role models in STEM can deter young women from entering these fields. Without mentors to guide and inspire them, many women may feel isolated or unsupported in pursuing STEM careers.

Workplace environment: Women in tech and engineering often face unwelcoming or hostile work environments, including gender bias, discrimination, and microaggressions. This can lead to higher attrition rates and discourage other women from entering these fields.

According to the latest report from the World Economic Forum, women make up approximately 28.2% of the STEM workforce globally.

Successful initiatives for attracting and retaining diverse talent

To address these challenges and improve gender diversity in tech and engineering, successful companies have implemented several initiatives:

Targeted recruitment campaigns: Companies actively recruit women by showcasing female role models and highlighting the career growth opportunities available in STEM fields. These campaigns often feature success stories of women who have thrived in these industries.

Mentorship and sponsorship programmes: Effective mentorship programmes provide women with the guidance and support needed to advance in their careers. Sponsorship, where senior leaders advocate for women’s career growth, is also crucial for promoting women into leadership positions.

Flexible working arrangements: Offering flexible work options, such as remote work, flexible hours, and part-time positions, helps women balance their career and family responsibilities, making STEM careers more accessible and sustainable.

Inclusive workplace culture: Creating an inclusive culture where diversity is valued and supported is essential. This includes addressing psychological safety, unconscious bias, promoting work-life balance, and ensuring equal opportunities for advancement.

Educational outreach and programmes: Collaborating with educational institutions to promote STEM education and careers to young girls can help build a diverse pipeline of future talent. Programmes like STEM workshops, hackathons, and internships provide hands-on experience and exposure to STEM fields.

It is important to remember that simply advertising these strategies is not enough. A company must believe in them to enable diversity to thrive and the company to grow.

By implementing these strategies truthfully, companies can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that attracts and retains diverse talent, ultimately leading to a more innovative and dynamic team and environment.