Due to the initiative of different Women Organizations at the University of Vienna, the film "Ms. Scientist" by Brandy Yanchyk will be streamed online between March 7 and 14 2021. The documentary explores how Canada tries to get female scientists to stay in the fields of science and looks at the successes and challenges that Canada’s female scientists face.
As part of the online streaming event, the topic is discussed in two panels – one with Canadian Scientists, policy makers and the filmmaker Brandy Anchyk, the other with five female scientists from different Faculties of the University of Vienna.
The event was jointly organized by WoChem - Women in Chemistry, WoBio - Women in Biology, Gender Equality and Diversity and is supported by the Faculty of Chemistry, the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy.
“Important date for reflection”
Petra Heinz, Dean of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy, very much welcomes the initiative: "The International Women's day is always an important date and awareness point in the year to reflect together on the opportunities and careers of female scientists,” she explains in a video statement published at the event website. Unfortunately, every year the outcome of this reflection is disappointing, Heinz continues.
While at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy almost 40 percent of the PhD students are women, the situation changes dramatically with higher positions: "Not even 12 percent of our professors are women - indeed, we are only three female professors. A sad result in the year 2021," says the Dean. When Petra Heinz started as a professor in the year 2013, she even was the only one. Therefore, the increase is definitely a success, "but it cannot be the end", emphasizes Heinz.
Positive trend at the Faculty
Still, the Dean sees a positive trend at the Faculty, for instance at the level of the new tenure track professorships, where four out of five positions have been filled with young female scientists. The Faculty is also trying to counteract the “leaky pipeline” with special programmes, but numbers are increasing very slowly. “It is not easy to change structures, much more effort and awareness of the problem is needed,” says Heinz.
It is not easy to change structures, much more effort and awareness of the problem is needed
Initiatives like the film screening and the panel discussions therefore are highly welcome to raise the awareness, share experiences across borders and discuss new strategies against the "leaky pipeline".
Online event: Gender Equality in Science: Are We There Yet? Proceeding with passion, persistence and perspectives
Film screening 'Ms. Scientist' by Brandy Yanchyk: March 7-14 2021
Canadian panel March 7-14 stream
Austrian panel March 9 18:30-19:30 live, stream afterwards
Registration & programme: https://wochem.univie.ac.at/int-womens-day-2021/
