Breaking Barriers: Women in STEM and the Path to a More Inclusive Future

The world of interior design, architecture, and engineering is evolving, but one challenge remains strikingly persistent—the gender gap in STEM. As someone deeply entrenched in high-end interiors in London, working on multi-million-pound projects, I’ve witnessed first-hand the nuances of operating in a field where women are still the minority. Today, I want to share my reflections on women in STEM, the barriers they face, and how we can collectively foster a more inclusive future.

 

The Power of Early Influence: Shaping Futures from the Start

 

Education is the foundation upon which every career is built, and it plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds. Yet, despite decades of progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. Why? The answer often lies in the early years.

 

Short-term strategies to bridge the gender gap must focus on fostering an inclusive environment from childhood. If girls grow up seeing successful women in STEM, they are more likely to envision themselves in those roles. Representation matters, and celebrating female leaders in these fields should be the norm, not the exception.

Long-term, education must become more personalised. The traditional one-size-fits-all approach fails to acknowledge that different learning styles exist. The key to empowering more women in STEM lies in rethinking how we teach and how we support diverse ways of problem-solving and creativity.

 

Role Models and Mentorship: A Game-Changer

 

Think back to the most pivotal moments in your career—chances are, there was someone who inspired or guided you. Having a mentor or role model is crucial for women navigating male-dominated industries. When you see someone who looks like you thriving in a field, it reinforces the belief that success is attainable.

I recently spoke with a close friend, a software engineer, who attended a leadership meeting where, for the first time in her career, every key decision-maker was a woman. It was such a rare experience for her that it became part of our weekend conversation. Imagine a future where this is no longer an anomaly but a given. Visibility is transformative. When young women see successful female engineers, scientists, and mathematicians, they are more likely to pursue similar paths.

 

Changing the Narrative: STEM is Not Just Numbers

 

One of the biggest misconceptions about STEM is that it is solely about numbers and rigid logic. In reality, creativity and innovation are at the heart of these disciplines. Interior design, for instance, marries technical expertise with artistic vision. Engineering is about problem-solving on a grand scale. Architecture is about storytelling through spaces.

We need to change the way STEM is presented to young people—showcasing it as a dynamic, creative, and impactful field rather than something purely analytical and detached. Schools must incorporate hands-on experiences, design-thinking workshops, and real-world problem-solving into their curriculums.

 

The Invisible Barriers: Representation, Stereotypes, and Support

 

One of the greatest challenges for women entering STEM fields is the lack of representation. Walk into most engineering or architectural firms, and the leadership is still overwhelmingly male. This lack of diversity creates psychological barriers—if you don’t see people like you in certain roles, it becomes harder to imagine yourself in those positions.

Stereotypes also play a significant role. Women are often perceived as better suited to roles that require ‘soft skills,’ while STEM fields are framed as requiring ‘hard skills.’ The reality is that the most successful professionals in STEM blend both technical expertise and interpersonal abilities.

Additionally, the absence of a strong support system in many academic and professional settings can be discouraging. Women in these fields need networks that provide guidance, sponsorship, and advocacy. Community is everything—having a space where you can celebrate successes and navigate challenges is invaluable.

 

The Role of Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

 

Technology is revolutionising education, making knowledge more accessible than ever. Digital platforms and AI-powered learning tools allow for personalised educational experiences, which is a major step towards closing the gender gap in STEM.

However, technology is also a mirror reflecting societal biases. AI algorithms, unless carefully programmed, can reinforce existing inequalities. This is why it’s essential to have diverse teams working on the development of new technologies—because inclusivity should be built into innovation from the start.

 

Finding Your Place in STEM: Advice for Aspiring Women

 

If you are a young woman considering a career in STEM, here’s my advice:

• Surround yourself with ‘cork people.’ There are two types of people in this world—those who weigh you down like lead and those who lift you up like cork. Find the corks. Build relationships with people who inspire and empower you.

• Embrace what makes you different. Your unique perspective is your superpower. What some might perceive as weaknesses—empathy, creativity, intuition—are often the very qualities that drive innovation.

• Seek out mentors. Learn from those who have walked the path before you. Their guidance will be invaluable.

• Say yes to opportunities, even when they scare you. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone.

A Future of Possibilities

 

Looking back at my journey—from studying architecture and engineering to designing high-end interiors in London—I can say with certainty that the barriers women face in STEM are real, but they are not insurmountable. With the right education, mentorship, and mindset, we can dismantle outdated stereotypes and create a future where talent—not gender—determines success.

 

So, to the next generation of women considering a path in STEM: the industry needs you, your perspective, your creativity, and your vision. The future is not just something we design—it’s something we actively shape. Let’s shape it together.