Women remain an untapped potential by Poland’s technology market, claims Bianka Siwińska, from the Perspektywy Educational Foundation.

Citing a study run by the organization, the activist believes that support from family, friends and educators is key for propelling young girls on a career path in male-dominated fields.

“If girls have open-minded parents, and teachers who encourage them to take interest in universities offering programmes in exact sciences and engineering, if their female peers opt for technical studies, if in their environment and in the media they see women pursuing careers in scientific fields, they are more inclined to study engineering,” Bianka Siwińska told Polish Radio news agency (IAR).

Most are, however, deprived of this backing. No more than ten percent of young females choose technical disciplines at universities. Up to four percent decide on IT.

As a result, at present women account for about 20 percent of the workforce in innovation technologies. Meanwhile, a greater share of women in technical fields could boost industrial growth alongside faster progress in science and economy, Bianka Siwińska argues. (aba/rk)

Source: IAR