The Hidden Engineers: Why are so many women doing STEAM work at home, but rejecting STEAM identities?

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Authored by Dr. Ayo Olufade

Exploring this helps us understand societal stereotypes that influence women’s career choices.

This morning, my wife and I discovered that our house filters were absolutely filthy. (Note to self: three months fly by fast!)

Before I could even blink or grab a tool, my wife was already up the ladder, dismantling the housing to find the source of the dirt. Whether it’s fixing a leak or tinkering with an appliance, she is constantly “under the hood” of this house.

But it’s not just the mechanical stuff. She is a wizard with numbers. She has every single one of our Social Security numbers memorized (and we have a big household!). She has managed our entire household budget and prepared our complex taxes for years.

Naturally, I asked her: “Why didn’t you become an engineer or pursue a STEAM career? You are a natural.”

Her answer? “Because I don’t like math!”

I was stunned. If you handle the finances, calculate the taxes, and master the mechanics of physical hardware, how is that not math?

It made me wonder: How many brilliant minds dismiss careers in physics, statistics, or engineering because societal stereotypes or academic frameworks convinced them they aren’t “math people,” even though they execute practical engineering daily?

I want to open the floor to both sides of this equation to start a meaningful conversation.

To the men: Do you have a partner who is the house’s secret “Master Mechanic” or “Human Calculator”? Recognizing these talents can help women feel valued and appreciated for their practical skills.

To the ladies: If you have a knack for fixing things and a head for numbers, what kept you away from formal physical sciences or engineering? Was it truly a dislike of the subject, or how the subject was presented to you? I invite all diverse experiences to enrich this conversation and inspire others.

I want to hear your story. In fact, I want to host you on the STEAM Sparks podcast to help us spark and empower the next generation of architects and builders by showcasing real stories that challenge stereotypes and inspire change.

“In a two-dimensional world, you can only see, hear, and feel left and right, length and width, black and white.

What happens when you consider other possible dimensions? Could up, down, and diagonal be a possibility? Could the Z-line be a possibility? Could other possibilities be a reality? Could you be like Jamie Fox in one of his music videos, saying, ‘I have got options,’ and ready to exhale!” ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade

#Wifes #WomenEmpowerment #WomenInSTEAM #GirlsInSTEAM #WomenFixingThings #TheMathParadox #HiddenEngineers #GirlDad #HomeMaintenance #CareerPaths #CallingAllMen