Inspiring the next generation of pioneering women

A new exhibition based on an idea by a Salford academic is celebrating the achievements of women in science, engineering, and construction and technology (SECT)

A new exhibition based on an idea by a Salford academic is celebrating the achievements of women in science, engineering, and construction and technology (SECT), ie those who act as role models for the next generation.

Dr Haifa Takruri-Rizk, leading the University of Salford in the partnership is behind the idea of the exhibition, which is called 'the SECT Factor' which aims to address the under-representation of women in SECT areas today, through profiles of successful women, and discussion on how to achieve a balance between the demands of home and work.

She (Dr Haifa) said: "This exhibition is designed to provide visible female role models in the field of SECT, to inspire and encourage young women and girls into a rewarding and challenging career".

The SECT Factor is funded by JIVE, a project of the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) and is at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester during the month of March.

It will be opened by Hazel Blears MP, and features a talk from 'Britain's Best Boss 2006' (as voted for by Working Families), otherwise known as Bruce Draper, about work-life balance.

On show will be stands dedicated to current inspirational women, such as Salford graduate Rachel Pisani, who is the first woman in the UK to manage a power plant and Sima Adhya, a Manchester-born space mission scientist.

The exhibits also include profiles of women who have been pioneers in the field of SECT, such as chemist Dorothy Hodgkins, who determined the structure of insulin; and Nobel Prize winner Barbara McClintock, who showed how genes turn physical characteristics on and off.

Women qualified in SECT, who would like help and advice on returning to a SECT career, or women who would like to support and inspire other women into SECT, should visit the website of the Jive North West Hub, www.jivenorthwest.co.uk, for more information.

The exhibition will be opened on Friday 9 March by the Right Honourable Hazel Blears, MP for Salford, and Chair of the Labour party.

The North West Hub is funded by JIVE, a project of the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC), which is based on the Bradford College campus but has hubs and centres throughout Britain.

UKRC was established in 2004 to deliver the major part of the Government 'Strategy for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET)'.

The strategy aims to redress the imbalance of women in SECT, retain qualified women, and return qualified women into UK industry, following a career break.

To contact Dr Haifa please email: h.takruri-rizk@salford.ac.uk.

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