Equality and Diversity in (Electrochemical) Sciences - 30 Years of Observations

Abstract

Let me start by introducing myself, as my background plays a role in my view on equality and diversity (in life and in science). Growing up and being educated in Finland, I did not truly realize how privileged I was in this Nordic country that enabled me to pursue my goals and dreams in life, never wasting a thought on possible gender-related limitations on my choices and opportunities and looking back I do not think it did (or else, I never came even in the vicinity of the glass ceiling ). Of course, I knew that I grew up in a country where women had already gotten the right to vote in 1906 (one of the first countries in Europe to do so), but in general gender equality (or inequality?) was not a significant issue in my life. After my studies of Materials Science and Engineering in Finland, I moved to Switzerland and found myself in a country where in one part of the country women still did not have the right to vote (in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, women were granted the right to vote in 1991). I was somewhat surprised to realize that the traditional family model in this mid-European country was far more typical than what I had mostly experienced in Finland, where it was quite typical that both parents worked outside of the home. During my PhD studies, I frequently encountered situations where I was the only female person in a research group or in a project meeting. Initially feeling somewhat intimidated in a group of experienced (male) scientists, I grew stronger and more self-assured, convincing myself that my research was not less interesting due to my gender. In general, I did not feel discriminated against because of my gender or my nationality. And, if in a rare case, a doubt or a question was raised about my ability to do something simply due to my gender, this skepticism merely triggered me to perform better. Through these early years I was mostly lucky to have been surrounded by people who trusted me and therefore challenged me to achieve more. About twenty years later I moved to Germany, after spending time for research stays in the United States and Canada. Both stays were very valuable for my professional development. Changing the working environment and encountering new colleagues increased my energy and motivation and generated many new ideas and inspirations.