Breaking Gender Stereotypes: Empowering Women in Science Careers in Budapest, Hungary

Published: December 20 2023

In order to achieve its goal of becoming one of the top innovators in the world, Hungary needs to encourage more people, especially women, to pursue careers in STEM fields such as engineering, science, mathematics, and IT. However, gender stereotypes still exist in this sector and need to be addressed in order to break down barriers and empower women. This article highlights the efforts being made in Budapest to empower women in science careers and promote gender equality in the field.

The Women in Technology education program was launched last October with the support of Huawei. Its aim is to challenge stereotypes and make IT and engineering careers more appealing to women. The program recognizes that although women make up half of the users of digital tools, they are significantly underrepresented in their development. By breaking down stereotypes, the program hopes to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology and engineering.

A recent survey conducted by CETIN Hungary revealed that gender stereotypes still persist in the science job market, putting women at a disadvantage. The survey found that there is a gender gap in how men perceive their female colleagues, with a significant number of women reporting not being accepted as equals. Additionally, women face more challenges in advancing their careers and moving up the career ladder compared to their male counterparts. This highlights the need for initiatives that challenge gender stereotypes and create equal opportunities for women in STEM professions.

To address these issues, several initiatives have been launched in Budapest. Microsoft has partnered with the Women4Cyber Foundation for an education program aimed at empowering women in the cybersecurity field. CETIN Hungary has also partnered with the Association of Hungarian Women in Science to break down gender stereotypes and promote gender equality in career choices. CETIN's STEMpowered project specifically focuses on encouraging women's careers in engineering and technology, with the goal of not only achieving equal opportunities but also contributing to a more balanced and economically successful society.

Breaking down gender stereotypes and empowering women in science careers is essential for Hungary to achieve its goals of becoming an innovative leader. By challenging stereotypes, promoting gender equality, and providing equal opportunities, Budapest is taking steps towards creating a more inclusive and diverse STEM workforce. With continued efforts and initiatives, Hungary can work towards closing the gender gap and fostering an environment where women can thrive in science careers.

Why is it important for more women to choose careers in engineering, science, mathematics, or IT in Hungary? It is important for more women to choose careers in these fields to help Hungary become one of the world's top innovators and achieve the government's targets by 2030.

What is the Women in Technology national career guidance program? The Women in Technology national career guidance program is an education program launched in Hungary with the aim of breaking down stereotypes about engineering and making IT and engineering careers more attractive to women.

What did the Women in Technology national career guidance program aim to achieve? The program aimed to break down stereotypes about engineering and make IT and engineering careers more attractive to women.

What is the gender gap in the STEM sector in Hungary? There is a gender gap in the STEM sector in Hungary, with fewer women choosing STEM professions. Women find it harder to succeed among men and harder to move up the career ladder in these fields.

Why do women prefer working in the STEM sector in Hungary? Women prefer working in the STEM sector in Hungary because of the possibility of home office and flexibility. It is considered a family-friendly option, making it more compatible with childbearing plans.

Do gender stereotypes still exist in the science sector in Hungary? Yes, gender stereotypes still exist in the science sector in Hungary and must be broken down in order to achieve the government's targets for innovation.

What is the aim of CETIN Hungary's STEMpowered project? The aim of CETIN Hungary's STEMpowered project is to encourage the development of women's careers in engineering and technology, which is not only important for equal opportunities but is also expected to contribute to a more balanced functioning and bring economic benefits.