Press Release
Response to the Financial Times 'Cranfield Report' article
26 November 2007
Sir,
The Cranfield Report (“More women break FTSE 100 barrier” November 14) cites macho attitudes as a key factor preventing women from entering the boardrooms of engineering companies. Whilst I would not argue against the validity of this point, the industry needs to address the factors that are deterring women from pursuing an engineering career long before they are eligible for senior management positions.
The more immediate issues concern, firstly the lack of women applying for engineering degrees. Secondly, the three quarters of women who do graduate with an engineering degree, yet who do not enter employment in the industry. And finally, the high levels of attrition of talented women from engineering jobs before they reach managerial level. These factors all contribute to the reality that by the time we look at senior level candidates, there are very few women in the running.
To correct the serious deficit of women in senior positions, the industry needs to tackle its macho culture, not only in the boardroom, but from the very first impressions it emits to school children considering what degree to study at university.
With a wealth of careers options available, engineering professional bodies, educational institutions and employers are failing to portray engineering as an attractive choice, particularly for women. We need to move away from the traditional stereotypes of engineering as dirty, physical, mens’ work, and demonstrate that it can also mean a varied career, involving in business leadership or innovative start-ups.
Engineering companies also need to do more to retain female employees. For example, introducing flexible working arrangements, demonstrating a clear career path for women, highlighting role models and communicating better with female staff to understand what they want from their job. By making it a priority to encourage women to stay with the organisation, companies will be taking a positive step towards a more diverse workplace.
If we start to pitch the profession right, broaden the range of opportunities available, make it more attractive for women to remain in the industry - as well as tackling macho attitudes - then perhaps we might start to see an increase in female directors in engineering companies.
Yours faithfully,
Dan Mutadich
President of the Sainsbury Management Fellows' Society
Middlesex
TW12 2TJ