The Covid-19 pandemic has raised new barriers to building inclusive and prosperous economies. Another generation of women will have to wait for gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021. As the impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt, with women more impacted than men, the report estimates that based on the current trajectory, closing the gender gap has increased by a generation to 135.6 years (from 99.5 years pre-Covid).
Meanwhile, according to the UNESCO ground-breaking report Cracking the code: Girls’ and women’s education in STEM, only 35% of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students in higher education globally are women, and differences are observed within STEM disciplines. For example, only 3% of female students in higher education choose information and communication technologies (ICT) studies. This gender disparity is alarming, especially as STEM careers are often referred to as the jobs of the future, driving innovation, social wellbeing, inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Now more than ever, it has become vital for universities to provide diverse and inclusive learning opportunities; to break down gender barriers and encourage young women to join the STEM workforce.
As a pioneer in widening access to education, Heriot-Watt University (HWU) has been promoting inclusivity and diversity since its inception. In 1869, social and educational reformer Mary Burton successfully campaigned for the then Watt Institution to admit women students on equal terms to men, 23 years before legislation required Scottish universities to do so. Mary Burton went on to become the first woman on the School’s Board of Directors in 1874 and the Life Governor of the Heriot-Watt College. Since then, Heriot-Watt University has inspired generations of female pioneers to follow in her footsteps.
From the first woman to graduate with a computer science degree in 1966 to now addressing the under-representation of women in computer science across all its campuses. Purpose-driven women leaders continue to forge ahead at Heriot-Watt University.
Widening access to quality UK education for women
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) prides itself on widening the access to quality UK education for women to reduce the gender imbalance in target subject areas, and increasing the number of women in STEM.
As Malaysia moves towards a more inclusive and sustainable high-income nation, the University is committed to increasing the percentage of female students in STEM. Through its Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholarship, HWUM aims to narrow the gender gap in science and engineering fields for local women who wish to pursue careers in these fields. HWUM offers full or partial WISE scholarships, contingent upon an interview with university staff, to women enrolling to either foundation or science and engineering-related undergraduate level programmes.
Of note, in HWUM’s School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, female students already account for almost half the student count, and the proportion is growing.
Chair of HWUM’s Board of Directors Datuk Yasmin Mahmood says: “We continue to advocate STEM to our female students, in hopes that they recognise their potential and capabilities to contribute to it. STEM is no longer a male-dominated field. Today, we see many women scientists and engineers of calibre who are visionary women leaders impacting the lives of many.”
Heriot-Watt University has had a long history in producing STEM practitioners and graduates since its inception in 1821 as the world’s first Mechanics Institute amidst the First Industrial Revolution. With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the University continues to support the promotion of STEM among the youth to lead the way in a challenging job landscape.
HWUM Provost and Chief Executive Officer Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi said: “Having enough women in STEM is imperative if we are to create a sustainable, just, and enjoyable world. It is our duty to nurture purpose-driven women leaders through positive education; women who will go on to play an important role in building and shaping tomorrow’s modern.”
“Through our EmPOWER Programme, we are developing highly employable graduates who are emotionally intelligent, confident, innovative, and effective team players to satisfy the requirements of the ever-changing job market,” Professor Mushtak added.
Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) scholarship
HWUM offers full or partial scholarships, contingent upon an interview with university staff, to local women enrolling to either foundation or science and engineering-related undergraduate level programmes.
In addition, its accredited world-class programmes, developed based on the needs of real-world businesses and industries, are carefully tuned to the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, ensuring a career-relevant education, while its unique positive education approach creates an environment that helps to foster purpose-driven leaders who are able to positively impact communities.
Eligible programmes for WISE scholarships are:
Foundation in Science / Foundation in Business (with the intention to pursue any of the undergraduate programmes below)
Actuarial Science
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Construction Project Management
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Psychology
Psychology with Management
Quantity Surveying
Statistical Data Science
Computing Science
Evening talks with visionary leaders
In conjunction with HWUM’s 10th Anniversary and as part of its efforts to promote inclusivity and encourage opportunities for women on International Women’s Day (8 March), HWUM is hosting a special virtual “Evening with…” series which will feature inspiring and influential visionary leaders in Malaysia and beyond.
The series kicks off on 8 March at 6-7pm with “An evening with Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, Chair of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s Board of Directors”. Yasmin will be sharing her success stories, some peak moments from her career, the people who inspired and mentored her on her journey, and how she aspires to be a role model for young women aspiring to be successful in the corporate sector.
To register for your free space, kindly visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-datuk-yasmin-mahmood-tickets-270803910787
For more information on HWUM, visit https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/index.htm
