Towards Equal Representation in Technology: A Study on Actions in Finnish University Engineering Education

This paper examines the strategies and practices employed by Finnish universities to enhance female representation in engineering education. Gender disparity in STEM fields is a global issue, particularly pronounced in Finland, where the labour market is among the most gender-segregated in Europe. Nevertheless, the proportion of women in technology fields in Finland has increased in recent years. Motivated by reports of successful initiatives, we wanted to examine engineering education from an institutional perspective. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to Finnish universities offering engineering education in November 2024. The questionnaire focused on measures such as collaboration with other educational institutions, targeted marketing to female applicants, modifications to the content and names of degree programs, and other specialized strategies. The results highlight various actions taken to attract female students, with targeted marketing being the most prevalent. While some measures have yielded significant results, our study demonstrates that achieving gender balance in engineering education is complex and requires a multifaceted approach. Collaboration among different stakeholders is essential, and students must be involved in changing prevailing perceptions.