Women are not absent from science fields because of a “genetic” lack of interest in these subjects, but rather because of social mechanisms that push them to leave these fields at all ages. As a student, it has always been important to me to take an active interest in these subjects.
Marie TCHENG of the DER Informatique is committed to addressing the issue of women’s representation in the sciences, particularly in mathematics.
“Throughout my studies in mathematics and computer science, I have encountered the underrepresentation of women in these disciplines and witnessed a gradual loss of motivation among many female students in these fields.”
The underrepresentation of women in science is due to multiple factors, including, in particular, a lack of role models, gender stereotypes in the representation of scientific knowledge, and a lack of self-confidence among young women, among others. “Women are not absent from science fields due to a ‘genetic’ lack of interest in these subjects, but rather because of social mechanisms that push them to leave these fields at all ages. As a student, it has always been important to me to take an active interest in these subjects.”
Marie TCHENG has had the opportunity to meet with women from the association Femmes et Mathématiques on several occasions in recent years to organize or lead events. “It makes sense to me to dedicate an ASPEN year to this topic.”
She structured her ASPEN project into three components, in collaboration with the “Women and Mathematics” association and Agence Phare.
Focusing on direct outreach to young high school girls
“First and foremost, the work that seems most important to me is direct outreach to young girls to encourage them to continue their studies in mathematics. This is the community-based work I will be doing with “Femmes et Mathématiques,” organizing events such as the RJMI (Rendez-Vous des Jeunes Mathématiciennes et Informaticiennes) and the JFMI (Journées des Jeunes Mathématiciennes et Informaticiennes), as well as all-female weekends and days for high school girls, where they have the opportunity to meet female researchers, discuss gender stereotypes, attend lectures on mathematics or computer science, and so on. This approach makes the most sense for a project on this topic, as the primary goal is to encourage women to pursue this path if they so choose.”
Conducting an in-depth sociological analysis
The second focus of her project is based on a sociological study aimed at conducting a more in-depth analysis of the subject.To this end, she will complete a research internship with Clémence Perronnet, a sociology researcher at Agence Phare, during which she will participate in an ethnographic study of a mathematics laboratory.
Producing a documentary on gender diversity
Finally, she aims to produce a documentary on the issue of gender diversity in mathematics. “This documentary project is part of a more creative and artistic approach, aimed not only at raising awareness and fostering reflection but also at preserving history through the collection of testimonies.”