Sorry, but it's not so simple, and being role models is not the answer. As a researcher working in a government lab for over 20 years and suffering the "good ol' boy" network, nothing will change unless the system changes, and the system will not change as long as men predominate as decision makers. I am encouraging my daughters not to go into science, and certainly not to work for the government. I would have made different career choices if I knew years ago what I know now.

Dear beetlelady,

I'm curious about why you say what you do. Do you work in Canada or the US? And I've never heard anything bad about working for the government before.

I think role models are useful for young people - to help, check out http://www.nationallabday.org.

I also think the intense work-oriented lifestyle, moving around, etc. can be disheartening.

There are alternate pathways in science with more flexible and forgiving schedules, like Bioinformatics. I have a B.S. in C.S. and I get to work on interesting research projects with brilliant people every day, without working any crazy overtime or moving all over. Plus I have an adorable baby!

Women's brains are wired just fine. In many instances they are better collaborators than men. But with a system that promotes "stars" rather than group efforts, those that are moved to the fore are frequently men because other men are promoting their interests. Women are encouraged to achieve in science just as long as the childcare, cooking, cleaning, home management, and social life doesn't suffer. How many men get up to prepare for work and take care of the kids' breakfast, the pets, move the laundry around, write a check for the cleaning service, gather stuff to drop off at the dry cleaners, and take kids to school? Usually a man gets himself ready and goes. Women frequently have so many other responsibilities competing for their time and attention.

My observations are not consistent with the story or many of the comments. Our company currently has over 50% women as our scientists and group leaders. I do not see a dramatic difference in most area companies, maybe academia and government are different. Usually, commercial ventures only have the option of hiring/promoting the best people.

Personally, I have one daughter in chemical engineering, graduating at the top of her class and landing a senior role at a pharmaceutical company...half her class is women. The other daughter is a bio-engineer heading to medical school. Many of the engineering disciplines and all of the health-related disciplines have more young women than men in them at their school. They have received nothing but encouragement along their academic careers. The medical school is now 51% women.

We should not confuse personal choices (restricted hours for family's benefit, etc.) with bias. There was a time when my wife and I decided it was best for her career to come first, and there was a time when it was best that mine came first.

Let's encourage hard work and great performance in our youth, whether male or female and any other race, religion, etc. and stop giving them reasons why they won't do well. There is no "system" --- there is only the individual. If each of us steps up and shows great leadership --- we are the "system" and things will change if they already haven't.