The row over the sexist comments made by Sir Tim Hunt on
women in science rambles on this weekend, and we are - in general - united in
our condemnation of his remarks and their unwanted consequences. But these
views are not new, and any woman working in science or engineering will
doubtless have stories to tell about how she has encountered negative gender
bias. The thing we need to do now though is work out how we move on from
here in a positive way. The sentiments that Tim Hunt expressed were real, and
he believes them. He does see a problem. But the problem is in his perception. Diversity
is a benefit, not a problem. We need to ensure that we change the culture of our
organisations to recognise diversity as a positive goal and not something to be
avoided or criticised. This is a state of mind, and changing it is something that is quite
achievable, with training and
appropriate challenge.
Let's look at
what he said in more detail. Scientists who meet in labs fall in love with one
another. So what's wrong with that? It happens in all walks of life - not just
science labs. And don't we want to create children with scientifically literate
parents? This is certainly what happened to me when I was in the university
lab, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
And on the
subject of crying - well what's wrong with crying? We don't all have to be
stiff upper lipped. Crying is fine. Emotion is good. Diversity is
key. If women cry then men need to work out how to deal with that - it's
not women who always need to change.
Tim
Hunt will surely
wish he had never opened his mouth about women in science but now that
he has,
let's use his comments for positive change. Let's work out how to
rebrand diversity as a good thing to be encouraged - in everybody's
opinion. And Tim, if you want to make amends
and show your support for young women in science, then we offer you a
role on
our team working on the Sparxx project for girls in STEM.
And could I suggest that as a science community we show a bit of our sensitive
side and offer Tim some kindness now - we can all say things we regret from
time to time.
Let's see what positives we can take from this, and thank
Tim for the opportunity to work this one out.
Written by WES President Dawn Bonfield