Yuna Kato, a third-year student at a prestigious engineering university in Japan, possesses a fervent dedication towards embarking on a scientific research-driven career. Nevertheless, she encounters apprehensions regarding the potential ramifications of motherhood for her professional advancement. Yuna harbors concerns that being a mother might disrupt her trajectory in the working sphere. Her relatives exert substantial efforts to dissuade her from pursuing STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), as they subscribe to the notion that women engaged in STEM professions experience prodigious demands, making it challenging to strike a harmonious balance between work, relationships, and familial responsibilities, as well as securing a suitable life partner.
She articulated that her grandmother and mother frequently informed her about the presence of numerous alternative paths outside of STEM, particularly when considering her aspiration to nurture children.
Nevertheless, as a result of prevailing societal prejudices towards female engineers, numerous driven women in Japan have opted for alternative career trajectories—a circumstance that subsequently presents considerable obstacles for the nation. Forecasts indicate that by 2030, the information technology sector alone will face a substantial labor shortage of 790,000 individuals, predominantly attributable to the profound underrepresentation of women in this domain.
Li Yino, a highly respected female authority in the field of STEM in China, possesses a doctoral degree in molecular biology. She contends that the prevalent scarcity of female representation in this domain constitutes a squandering and deprivation of the nation.
She highlights that the absence of gender equilibrium leads to noteworthy shortcomings and inadequacies in technology. Presently, Li Yino fulfills the role of a mother to three children and actively engages in cultural exchange initiatives in Japan. She accentuates the significance of gender diversity in the field of technology.
In Japan, a mere 16% of female university students opt for majors in engineering, manufacturing, or construction. Furthermore, the proportion of female scientists worldwide stands at a dismal one-seventh. Data provided by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reveals that Japanese girls won the second position in mathematics and the third position in science.
This year, Japan has attained its lowest level of gender equality.
In order to address this disparity, the government of Japan is exerting efforts to facilitate transformation.
Commencing with the commencement of the academic year 2024, a number of universities, including the institution Yuna currently attends, have heeded the call from the government and incorporated specific enrollment quotas aimed at women in STEM disciplines. These universities are following the precedent set by a limited number of institutions that have already taken this initiative.
A noteworthy change is noted, as indicated by a survey undertaken in the year 2018, which brought to light deliberate actions perpetrated by a medical institution situated in Tokyo. These actions involved deliberately diminishing the scores of female applicants, thereby demonstrating favoritism towards male candidates. The officials of this institution held the belief that women were more likely to discontinue their professional pursuits after becoming mothers, thus dismissing their educational aspirations as futile.
In order to alter this perspective, the government recently created a video that lasts for nine minutes and thirty seconds. The video aims to illustrate how "unconscious bias" acts as an obstacle for girls in their pursuit of STEM subjects. Notably, the production involved both educators and other adult figures.
In a specific scene, an actor portraying a school teacher compliments a female student's mathematical abilities despite her gender, thereby perpetuating the notion that it is atypical for females to excel in mathematics. In a different scene, a mother dissuades her daughter from pursuing a career in engineering by asserting that the field is primarily dominated by men.
The government is partnering with the private sector to organize more than 100 STEM workshops and activities that are specifically focused on female students. These events are being coordinated by the Gender Equality Bureau and encompass various learning opportunities, such as engaging with Mazda racecar engineers and others.
Additional educational institutions and corporations, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Toyota, are extending scholarships in an effort to encourage greater participation of women within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
According to Toshihiro Taniura, a human resources officer at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the underrepresentation of women in engineering is not inherently natural, especially when considering that women make up half of the population.
He further stated that if the composition of engineers does not correspond with the demographics, they will lag behind in fulfilling customer demands.
Panasonic recognizes the significance of embracing female viewpoints as well. Kyoko Iida, a senior engineer within the organization, took part in a survey aimed specifically at women and offered guidance for enhancing the development of a bread maker primarily utilized by women.
Junichi Kijimura, the vice president of Yuna's university, believes that the lack of diversity has already resulted in losses.
He stated that diversity serves as a catalyst for innovation. However, upon analyzing the situation in recent decades, there arises skepticism regarding the presence of genuine innovation within both educational institutions and Japanese society at large.
He made it clear that while contemplating the year 2050, it is imperative for each individual to reflect upon the necessary present actions.