Gender stereotypes still drive university choices

Men and women should be encouraged to look beyond traditions when choosing their course of study.

So says Martin Zachariasen, vice-chancellor of the University of the Faroe Islands, in the wake of a new year group starting last week.

"Men are still more likely to study engineering, IT and finance, while women are more likely to study pedagogy and nursing.”

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This notion, he says, is imprinted in children from an early age.

"Challenging the outdated notion that certain subjects are only for men or women would greatly benefit our labour market," he says.

“A growing body of research is showing that gender diversity in all levels on the labour market increases performance and quality.”

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There are improvements in this respect, he adds, mentioning that more women than men now study to become doctors and teachers, compared to 50 years ago when these professions were dominated by men.

However, he believes there is a long way to go before we achieve an ideal gender balance in study choices.

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“There is no simple solution here, but I would encourage parents to start looking beyond conventions when talking to their children about what they want to do in the future,” he says.

“For example, if your daughter is good at maths and physics, why not suggest a subject like engineering? I recently read a really good interview with a female airline pilot. I think parents should shed light on role models who make unconventional career choices.”

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

English version by prosa.fo.

More Faroese News in English.