Gender balance in science and technology: "Role models are extremely important"

What are the main obstacles to greater women’s representation in science and technology and how can they be overcome?

Camille Canuet/ Gender stereotypes are formed at a very young age. They influence the subjects young people choose to study and shape their future career paths. That’s why women are underrepresented in particular fields and disciplines. 

For instance, the share of women science graduates remains stubbornly low, at 32.5% globally, and only one in five engineering graduates is female. And women who do study these subjects often find themselves excluded and sidelined at school or university.

That’s why it’s so important to challenge these biases early on in life – and to keep doing so throughout women’s careers.

Thales is especially keen to promote role models. Can you tell us more?

Christophe Salomon / Role models are extremeley important in creating a positive “mirror effect”. By showcasing women who’ve built successful careers as senior leaders or experts in their field, we’re able to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage other women to follow their lead.

Here in France, for instance, we’ve partnered with Elles Bougent, an organisation that support girls and young women interested in careers in science. The Women Inspiring Women# campaign, which spotlights female talent at Thales, pursues similar aims.

But the figures suggest that long-standing barriers persist: in 2024, only 14.8% of applicants for vacancies in our business line were women.

This suggests we need to do more at attract female candidates – and to provide clear progression opportunities. 

That’s why, at the end of 2024, we launched Le@d’Her, a new initiative to support women with the potential to form the next generation of Thales leaders.

An organisation’s people and the relationships between them are key factors in shaping a corporate culture. What steps are you taking to get everyone – and men in particular – behind your inclusion drive?

Christophe Salomon / Our efforts would be in vain if we didn’t involve men. After all, they make up 72.5% of our workforce. 

Within each business line and sector, we run gender-balance workshops where attendees learn about the issues, identify barriers and share best practices. 

In 2024, close to 700 staff received training on unconscious prejudice and bias, and our awareness campaign on preventing and combating everyday sexism in the workplace reached 2,500 employees.

Camille Canuet/ Thales remains determined to foster an inclusive culture with zero tolerance for all forms of discrimination. 

In-house networks like WiTh and Together@Thales lead these efforts on a day-to-basis through workshops, mentoring programmes and personal spotlights. Their members are fully committed to the cause of equality. 

The Group is also part of #StOpE, an initiative to combat everyday sexism in the workplace. We know we can’t take anything for granted, so we can never stop standing up for what we believe in.