There’s a new remote chapter in the Weir Women’s Network (WWN), and it aims to tackle a long-standing issue – the relatively poor representation of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Our Women in STEM remote chapter was established in 2021 and its new steering committee is already looking at ways to take its mission forward.

Nathalie Brown, Head of Change Management for Information Services & Technology (IS&T), is Chair of Women in STEM. She said: “Women in STEM is different in that we're a global network which allows us to benefit from the amazing diversity present across Weir. We started out as a Women in Tech chapter with a focus on Technology – or the “T” of STEM. But with engineering and materials science being at the heart of what we do at Weir, we expanded the scope of our network and became Women in STEM. At the moment, one of Weir’s biggest priorities is digitalisation, and STEM is central to that strategy. As we look to change the ways we operate as a business, it's important that women are represented and have input into decisions on the way forward. In our IS&T team, and in STEM-related roles in general across Weir, females have traditionally been underrepresented. We want that to change and women to be present in every area of technology and engineering.”

Srilakshmi Dasari is a Software Asset Administrator in IS&T Core Services. Based in Bangalore, India, she is a member of Weir’s Global Inclusion and Diversity steering committee, which was formed in 2019 under the leadership of our Chief Financial Officer, John Heasley. As well as being an inclusion and diversity ambassador, Srilakshmi is chairperson of the IS&T Global Inclusion and Diversity Committee.

She said: “In my experience of working in technology at companies, when you have a team of around 30 people, very often there will only be two or three women and they’ll be operating at a junior level. I've seen many female colleagues drop out once they reach mid-level because they are under pressure to have children and/or take care of a family. If we can provide support in terms of flexible working we can help these talented women move ahead in their career. Fortunately, Weir is following this type of approach.”

Nathalie emphasised: “There are lots of opportunities for women to learn from and support each other across all kinds of roles. It's really important we recognise that and ensure everyone at Weir has the opportunity to advance their careers, regardless of gender.”

So far, the remote chapter’s steering committee has come up with a variety of ideas, but above all they are keen to make sure there are measurable actions for change.

Nathalie added: “We're looking at how we learn more about the different STEM areas both within and outside Weir. Our focus is on having events and activities that interest everyone. We need buy-in from people across the board if we really want to deliver change.”

Meanwhile, Srilakshmi outlined how Weir’s core values can help. “One of Weir’s values is respecting each other. That is vital. When everyone has a chance to talk and have their voice heard, the team and the company will perform better – that’s how we can all play a part in taking ownership for our company’s success. Similarly, we must remember that diversity isn’t just about gender balance, it’s also about having people with different mindsets, ages, education, experience, background and abilities. When we have that kind of diversity of thought, there are different perspectives which will lead to creativity and innovation and bring success.”

Although technology and engineering roles are traditionally male dominated, the Women in STEM chapter believes it can create a space to allow that bias to be broken. Its ambition is for the sector to be different and it believes that Weir can lead the way.

Nathalie said: “It’s important to make ours an organisation that attracts and retains women in lots of different roles, including leadership. We're already seeing that, for example, with our new Chief Data Officer, Gillian Tomlinson, and Jennifer McGhee, Director of Cyber & Security Operations, both of whom are part of the Women in STEM Steering Committee. So, change is happening, but it’s gradual and we need to do more.”

Srilakshmi added: “It moves us forward if we recognise that everyone’s circumstances and background are different. It's not always about bias, but being mindful of diversity. As I mentioned, there have been very few women in the teams I’ve been in. My manager and leaders have always encouraged me to take opportunities and to take a chance.”

Unfortunately, it has not been an ideal time to start a new remote chapter. With restrictions and difficulties brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, along with other challenges, for one reason or another, people are working very differently from the ways that they did in the past.

However, Nathalie believes that has its advantages. “We’re all communicating virtually, and in truth we’ve probably had more conversations with each other and with different teams around the world. In some ways it's brought us closer and made us more able to collaborate. I think that can be a real benefit. Taking some of what we've learned from hybrid working and having more virtual conversations has meant that diverse voices and opinions have increased.”

Srilakshmi, who joined Weir four years ago, believes the company has advanced in that time. “That’s not just in terms of technology and the way we work, but in inclusion and diversity. The global employee survey that Weir runs regularly helps keep these improvements coming, as does the work of our Global Inclusion and Diversity Steering Committee. We're seeing more gender diversity at all levels of the organisation but we’ve got further to go and I'm keen that there is more change. It's about giving opportunity to everyone, either in a new role or an existing one. When that happens, people grow and develop.”

Concluding, Nathalie outlined how the new remote chapter’s goals make sound business sense: “As I mentioned, our priorities in 2022 include digitalisation, investment in new sustainable solutions for our customers and our inclusion, diversity and equality agenda. By addressing the issues of underrepresentation, opportunity and status our Women in STEM chapter can help us succeed.”