Would I be where I am?
“Let us create a world where all can find professional AND personal satisfaction, independent of gender, nationality, ethnicity or social background.”
Prof. Dr. Michael O. Hengartner, President of the ETH Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the ETH Domain
If you were a woman, do you think you would have made it to the top leadership ranks? Why (not)?
To be honest, I’m surprised I ever made it to the top leadership ranks! The academic culture in which I grew up (USA) was extremely competitive, everyone was focused completely on their research and gave it 150%. At the same time, I wanted a family and kids. Without strong support from my spouse, who “manages” our private life, this would not have been possible. I suspect that it would have been much more difficult for me as a woman. I would have had to find a partner who would have supported me just as fully.
How have gender stereotypes influenced your career choices and professional development?
And do you feel these stereotypes are present in your current work environment?
I grew up in a large, traditional household: my father was professor of mathematics, my mother looked after the home and us five boys. They both influenced me greatly. It was my passion for knowledge, but also my father’s positive views on research and teaching that drove me to choose a career in academia. Gender stereotypes were present in the form of extreme expectations – expectations that as a top scientist you’re always present, work long hours, travel frequently. Again, very hard to combine such a schedule with a family, particularly when the kids are young.
Thankfully, today, there is much more support, such as onsite childcare during a congress or the extension of a fellowship or a grant if you have a child.
How do you personally act against gender stereotypes in your environment?
Life is more than just work. Academia lost a huge amount of talent over the last decades because not everyone is willing to uncompromisingly focus only on their career. As employers, we need to be more flexible regarding the types of jobs that we offer, and how we allow people to perform their jobs. Part-time work and home office are just two of many possibilities.