FOM doubles number of women in higher positions to 14 percent
Goal Charter Talent to the Top achieved; 20 percent in 2020 is in view
Since formulating the FOM objectives in 2010, the percentage of women who are appointed at salary scale 12 or higher (scientific and non-scientific) has risen from seven to fourteen percent at the end of 2015. Therefore as a result of all the actions and measures taken, the percentage of women has doubled in a period of five years. This makes reaching the target percentage of 20 in 2020 both realistic and achievable. The most striking event in this context is that FOM has appointed a female general director for the first time in 69 years.
On 18 March 2010, FOM signed the women's charter 'Talent to the top'. By signing this, FOM committed itself to taking concrete measures to obtain and retain more female talent in the organisation. FOM also believes it has a responsibility to facilitate the promotion of women to a top position outside of FOM. FOM's Executive Board set the charter objectives and the target figures. The concrete final goal is to have 20 percent women at the top in 2020.
The table states the number of men and women appointed by FOM in salary scale 12 and higher on 31 December 2015 (scientific and non-scientific personnel combined). The number of female board members was achieved quickly and achieving the target percentage of 20 percent is now within sight as well.
Looking back, Renée-Andrée Koornstra concludes: "It has proven to be a slower process than expected back in 2010 to move from 7 percent to 14 percent and ultimately 20 percent women in top positions in this organisation. This is not only because the number of vacancies in such positions is small and there is little upward movement but also because not enough women apply, for their own reasons, for the vacancies that do arise. Furthermore, our policy of acting as a springboard for higher positions outside of FOM is not favourable for our own 'percentage', although it clearly benefits the women who obtain a higher position outside FOM. In that sense we have ensured there are more women at the top across the field of physics. So despite the negative impact on our figures we are nevertheless very pleased with and proud of this result!"
Actions
In recent years, FOM has developed several new activities to encourage gender diversity in the organisation. For example, a mentoring programme for women was implemented after an initial pilot, gender as a fixed point on the board's agenda, and a workshop gender awareness about unconscious choices in selection processes. Greater attention has also been paid to existing possibilities such as childcare during business trips or FOM events, coaching, and the FOm/f programme.
Contact
For more information, please contact Joost Weber, head Personnel Department a.i., +31 30 600 12 46.