We believe fostering female scientists of the future starts much earlier in life, which is why, to mark the tenth anniversary of L’Oréal’s For Women in Science, we linked up with L’Oréal to inspire women in science.
Working with the L’Oréal team, we paired inspirational women in science with primary schools, to help instill a love of the sciences at a young age, and to excite them about the possibilities of a science-based job. By encouraging more scientists into schools and opening children’s eyes to the range of careers that science leads to, we can help bring those possibilities to life. By introducing young girls to female role models working in science, we can help make scientific jobs feel both exciting and attainable.
Anne Lyons, President of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said:
“Role models from the world of work can have a big impact on children – they can help them see why the subject they are studying matter. It also helps to tackle the stereotypes children have from a young age which lead them to think that certain subjects and careers are not for them. We know that children from the age of 5 often stereotype the jobs people do according to their gender – and this is particularly the case in science. That is why we are keen to get more volunteers who work in science to volunteer an hour of their time to visit a local school and chat to young people about their job and career route.”
2018 update
As of 2018, 521 female role models from all over the country had signed up to go to into schools and inspire young girls. Women from a range of a science-based careers, and at different stages in their careers signed up – from PhD students and apprentices to Senior Scientists and Managing Directors. A Higher Pharmacopoeial Scientist, Resource Geologist, Food Technologist and Dentist in the Royal Air Force are just a few examples of the job roles of the inspiring women who signed up.
Activities showcasing the contribution of women in science took place in schools across the country, with 75 events in primary schools attended by a female science volunteer.
Vismay Sharma, Managing Director of L’Oréal UK & Ireland, commented:
“We hope that by showcasing female scientists in schools we can encourage children to feel confident and enthusiastic about science, and ultimately motivated to continue exploring this exciting sector. As part of this, we especially want to inspire girls and boost the number of female scientists in the UK.”
We’re always looking for more women in science to inspire young people and challenge gender stereotypes
