Gender - Background
‘I was about ten years old when I first discovered an interest in science, particularly physics. In those days, around 1970, science was not compulsory and we only discussed 'nature' in primary school. I decided to study engineering because the applied aspects of physics particularly appealed to me.’
Carol Vorderman
Women make up about 50% of the working age population but constitute only 20% of the engineering workforce – which includes operators/assemblers and clerical/admin staff. The figure for women in construction trades has remained steady at about 1% for many years.
(Used in heat/ flame-resistant fabrics, bulletproof clothing, aircraft, boats, golf-clubs, and bicycles).
‘I appreciate the sentiment that I am a popular woman in computer gaming circles; but I prefer being thought of as a computer game designer rather than a woman computer game designer. I don't put myself into gender mode when designing a game.’