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Founded in 2018, Aston University’s Women in Engineering, Science & Technology (WEST) society is dedicated to representing women in STEM fields, focusing on careers, outreach, support, and cultural change. We aim to be the voice for women studying STEM at Aston University, including those who identify as women or face gender-based discrimination.
Affiliated with the national Women in Engineering Society (WES), WEST thrives as a beacon of support and empowerment. We encourage male allies to join us in fostering an inclusive culture. Our commitment to creating a diverse, supportive environment helps all members reach their full potential, and our vision continues to grow and evolve.
We invite you to explore our work viewable on this page. Why not browse our linktree? Explore our diverse range of focus topics from over the years over on LinkedIn - just scan through and see what catches your eye! We are keen to collaborate with dedicated sponsors and distinguished speakers who align with our mission. We also love supporting worthy causes and fundraising to tackle issues arising from gender inequality and poverty. If you resonate with our objectives, please feel free to connect with us. We would love to hear from you!
FUN FACT - Did you know our society's name bears resemblance to the surname of remarkable female African-American mathematician, Gladys Mae West?
WEST society won the ASU Inclusivity Award 2024 at the Aston Students' Union (ASU) in June 2024, and the Innovation Award 2023 at the Innovation Awards x The Technology Supply Chain in November 2023.
Our spin-out community interest company, WEST C.I.C. is working on an inclusive innovation project in Nigeria. The project aims to improve the garri-frying process for rural Nigerian women by bringing waste to energy garri-frying equipment developed by a project lead. WEST C.I.C. will also be looking at gender dynamics in the garri frying locations, whilst working on a report for The UK research Institute, findings of the report will be presented at the International Women and Scientist Conference.
An interactive forum theatre, that addressed some challenges that women in STEM face in the workplace. Prior to the theatre piece, a focus group was organised, members were able to talk about real-life challenging experiences they have faced at the workplace and in academia. The experiences were then collated together with Aston Drama Society.
The audience could intervene in the play, at intervals they thought the scenario could be improved. Following the event we enjoyed a round of Domino’s Pizza!
Workshops, presentations and networking. Every year we attend the national Women in Engineering Society Student Conference held at Warwick University. It is a great opportunity to widen our horizons and meet other STEM students from all over the country. Last year 146 students from 26 universities attended the WES Student Conference.
If you would like to find out more please email us at west@aston.ac.uk.
Or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Visit our linktree here.