Towards Sustainability - Fostering Gender Dimensions for Inclusiveness in Science Technology Engineering and Production (STEP) Fields

Statistics from the Engineering Council of South Africa indicate that a large number of women who enter the engineering sector leave their careers in the early stages because they felt isolated and experienced discrimination in this traditionally male-dominated industry. Furthermore, research on global trends have highlighted the importance of an inclusive atmosphere as a result of the increase in the proportion of female decision-makers, racial and ethnic background differences, persons with disabilities and generation gaps with resulting different learning styles and needs. Literature also suggests that workforce diversity that maximises inclusion and minimises resistance, allows organisations to create change that fosters the human potential of their employees to the extent that diversity could be an organisation's competitive advantage. To assist with fostering a culture of inclusion a Leadership Development Programme (LDP) was designed for early to mid-career male and female employees in Science, Technology Engineering and Production (STEP) fields by the Women in Engineering Leadership Association (WELA) at a South African university. The focus of the four-day programme included leadership, communication, diversity, being a team player, lean management and tools for effective problem-solving in addition to a two-day practical team exercise in a simulated working environment. This research paper outlines the study's theoretical framework and the results from a survey and industry focus groups that guided the design of the STEP LDP. The qualitative post-workshop data from STEP LDP participants is also discussed. The results illustrated the importance and perceived value of the programme to those who had participated. Accordingly, this paper also explores and reports on the transformation in thinking following the programme participation and provides feedback and suggestions to improve the LDP. Creating an inclusive environment in the workplace is a key factor for employee growth and satisfaction as well as promoting an inclusive leadership culture. It is recommended that similar programmes are presented by other universities or within organisations to foster inclusion, thereby facilitating employee retention, in particular, women in engineering.