Women in Ocean Science

ocean guardians
Written By Studio_M

Women in Ocean Science

 
 

Meet the women smashing through the glass ceiling & creating an international movement to elevate the female voices working to protect our marine environment.

Since 2018, WOS has worked to close the gender gap through education, celebration and empowerment, highlighting the intrinsic link between the need to protect the ocean and the need for a diverse, inclusive workforce of those working to protect it.

 
 
“Women need a bigger seat at the table. We’re squandering one of the most powerful tools we have for ecosystem resilience by keeping female voices from the ocean conversation.”
— MADELINE ST CLAIR | MARINE BIOLOGIST, FILMAKER, FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
 

THE MISSION

 

EMPOWERING women to thrive in ocean-related careers. Ocean issues are female issues and we believe in putting gender equality at the heart of marine science and conservation. We want to end bias, discrimination and harassment, empowering women to feel safe at work and confident in their career.

Building not just a network, but a global community of female scientists, conservationists and ocean advocates - creating a space for women to connect, uplift and mentor each other. We’ve built the largest global network of women in ocean science and conservation around the world.

 

INSPIRING the next generation of women to take an interest in marine science, no matter their race, background or gender. Future generations will inherit an overwhelming number of ocean crises - so we tackle long-standing gendered issues to increase accessibility, break down socio-economic and educational barriers and help women to be active stewards of the marine environment.

ELEVATING female voices, research and stories in marine science, we strive for better representation within the industry and all female voices getting a seat at the table. We’re disproving stereotypes, increasing visibility of female role models, giving female-led research the recognition it deserves and amplifying marginalised voices.

 

GENDER EQUITY & DIVERSITY FAQS

  • Did you know that despite being shown to engage in more pro environmental behaviours, women disproportionately suffer the impacts of disasters, severe weather events, and climate change? Though women are gradually becoming better represented in the ocean science space, men still hold the lion’s share of power. Perpetuated by power differentials, this “leaky pipeline” of female representation decreasing with seniority and a culture of silence around sexual harassment, gender bias and discrimination against women within the marine science and conservation workforce continues. History has downplayed the achievements of female scientists, and to date, men still vastly outnumber women. By celebrating, elevating and empowering marginalised voices from within our industry, we hope to inspire younger generations to go for a career in science, no matter their race, background or gender - and ultimately, to protect the ocean.

  • The “leaky pipeline” of gender disparity at the highest career levels was highlighted by the Gender Equity in Ocean Science Report released in 2019, showing that the fraction of women graduating from university is not translating to representation at later career stages. Women are less likely to receive funding from institutions for their research and are less likely to be published authors, - women only represent 24 - 34% of all marine conservation journal papers and for the highest ranked journals, including Nature, female voices represent only 22%.

  • We seek to create a safe space in the ocean science and conservation sphere for all for under-represented voices. Though we are called “women” in ocean science, we appreciate that gender is a social construct that varies across time, place and cultures, so we welcome anyone who identifies as female, trans, non-binary and gender-non-conforming folks.

  • We are here to elevate and amplify the voices of women in STEM, ensuring that all backgrounds are represented. We aim to raise not only female voices, but strive for better representation within the industry for more marine scientists, conservationists, naturalists and divers of colour. We want to see less of the structural racism that dominates ocean industries and to break down barriers to create better opportunities for all.

  • Gender equality is the process of being fair to all genders. Gender equity levels the playing fields. WOS seeks not to further the divide between men and women, but to help close that gender gap though education, celebration and empowerment. We’re not about excluding men - we’re here to raise the voices of women and to amplify the issues and challenge the inequities that women face within ocean industries. Instead of asking “what about men”, try asking “how can I be an ally to my female colleagues?”

  • Allyship: those in a position of power (in this case men), utilising their influence, knowledge, and resources to support those who identify as women. As a male ally, you can help by speaking out against oppressive structures, calling out comments and discrimination, denormalising sexual harassment and educating yourself about your privilege, biases and role in systemic discrimination and inequity. Develop your situational awareness & listen to those from marginalised groups, and remember that there is more that one experience - each woman will have a different experience.

 

Thank you to Olivia Smailes for the beautiful podcast cover illustrations.

The WOS Podcast

Did you know that women are still rarely featured as first authors in leading scientific journals? Hosted by marine biologists Madeline St Clair & Charlie Young, the brand new Women in Ocean Science Podcast is here to put a new spin on scientific publications and to smash down gender stereotypes in marine science. From chemical oceanography to fisheries to tropical marine biology, the podcast champions the women behind the science, featuring a different ocean science paper and its corresponding author each week. Tune in every Monday for a podcast that celebrates the pioneering female researchers of today - and sheds a positive light on protecting the ocean.   

Have you recently published a piece of research?

Are you working on something novel? Join us as a podcast guest!

 

The ‘Meet A Scientist’ Blog

In their iconic blog series, “Meet A Scientist”, WOS explores the life, livelihoods and experiences of over 50 female marine biologists, scientists, conservationists, educators and policymakers. Dive for recent research, personal anecdotes and just how these extraordinary women came to be in their current roles.

We are always looking for more female voices to share and we’d love to hear your marine science and conservation story!

 
Studio_M

A COLLECTIVE OF LIKE-MINDED THINKERS BUILT STUDIO_M ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF A PASSIONATE, HARDWORKING AND ORGANIC COLLABORATION. WE WORK WITH A PLETHORA OF DIFFERENT BRANDS, STARTUPS AND BUSINESSES, TO CAPTURE COMPELLING VISUAL IMAGERY.

http://thestudiom.com
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