Women inclusion in practice in technical settings within the environmental field

Résumé En

The environmental industry has historically been dominated by men. However, most organizations are now committed to advancing diversity, and many studies reveal women's involvement in eco-activities. Recent research on the causes of resistance to women's inclusion in science, engineering and technology has pointed out the key role of gender dynamics in the workplace through everyday interactions. The objective of the present research is to investigate women inclusion practices in technical settings. We have drawn on two case studies (in Belgium and in Germany) within organizations committed to implementing diversity in their workforce, and involved in a European project on eco-innovation. Using a structurationist framework we have highlighted interaction moves that foster women's inclusion or maintain exclusion. This paper contributes to our understanding of measures that promote women's inclusion in technical settings as well as the barriers that remain. Managerial and theoretical implications of findings are provided.