Short Wave Pandemic Could Roll Back Advancements For Women in STEMM
May 19, 2021
Dr. Eve Higginbotham, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a leader in equity and inclusion, dives into the profound impact of the pandemic on women in STEMM. She discusses how systemic gender and racial biases have intensified during these challenging times, particularly affecting women of color. The conversation reveals the critical need for institutional support to help women navigate career hurdles. Dr. Higginbotham also highlights the mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, underlining the urgency for cultural changes in STEMM to foster women's success.
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Hurricane Katrina's Impact
- Dr. Eve Higginbotham's parents needed care during Hurricane Katrina, disrupting her work.
- This personal crisis highlighted how external events can negatively impact women's careers in STEM.
Pandemic's Disproportionate Effect
- Unforeseen events like pandemics disproportionately affect women in STEM due to blurred work-life boundaries.
- Dr. Higginbotham led a study to investigate the pandemic's effects on this specific group.
Work-Life Imbalance Challenges
- Women in STEM face challenges balancing work and home life, especially during the pandemic.
- This increased workload and reduced productivity impacted their ability to publish papers and secure grants.