TCDSU Women in STEM to be rebranded to Diversity in STEM

EMS Faculty Convener Sally Anne McCarthy has accepted applications for the new committee

Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) Women in STEM group will be rebranded as TCDSU Diversity in STEM, following faculty convener for Engineering, Maths, and Science Sally Anne McCarthy’s acceptance of applications for the Diversity in STEM committee.

“The move follows in the footsteps of previous TCDSU Women in STEM campaigns, and aims to provide a platform for discussion for anyone who has been “historically underrepresented in STEM.”

The movement aims to provide a platform for discussion for anyone who has been “historically underrepresented in STEM”. The goal is to open up the dialogue about the challenges faced by minorities in STEM whilst simultaneously acting as a chance for fellow undergraduates to network and form communities.

However, it was criticised for its focus solely on female equality. In response to the feedback, this year the campaign aims to take a more intersectional approach to diversity.

Established in 2016, the TCDSU Women in STEM campaign was dedicated to tackling gender imbalances in scientific and technological fields, involving a series of panel discussions from academics and industry from the various branches of STEM. The goal of the campaign was both to encourage a conversation as well as increase visibility of gender issues in STEM. However, the campaign was criticised for its sole focus on female equality. In response to the feedback, this year the campaign aims to take a more intersectional approach to diversity. The format of the campaign is open to the committee, who will be in charge of how the campaign is run and what events will be on, with support from McCarthy and other SU officers.

 The campaign wants to include STEM students who may not identify themselves as “passionate about equality” or about the importance of accessibility and diversity.”

McCarthy, who has been involved in TCDSU’s Women in STEM for two years and chaired the Women in STEM campaign last year said that the campaign aims to be both “accessible” and “positive”. The campaign wants to include STEM students who may not identify themselves as “passionate about equality” or about the importance of accessibility and diversity. The aim is to reach out to these students and allow them to feel comfortable with getting involved and joining the conversation.

Speaking to Trinity News, McCarthy stressed the importance of societies in promoting inclusion of minorities, noting the support the campaign has received from both Qsoc and Women in STEM. According to her, these societies offer a sense of community and a platform for experiences to be shared.

In September, Molly McCrory, SS Physics student and International Students’ Officer, conducted a survey on the issue of gender equality in STEM. The survey was anonymous and asked both male, female, and non-binary students of STEM about their experiences with gender discrimination as well as their opinions on possible solutions. McCarthy is now working alongside McCrory to compile the results of the survey into a report and a series of recommendations. “I realise that I am a person who has been visibly making a lot of noise about [the issue of diversity in STEM] but this is because I have been in a position which allows me to do so,” McCarthy said.