The most recent WIPO Magazine is devoted to women and
IP. There are a number of fascinating
articles concerning women involved in creating in various technology and
artistic spaces. One interesting story
involves Sybilla Masters. She “developed
a way to process Indian corn in 1715 and her achievements were recorded in the patent
document, the associated right was issued to her husband. At that time, the prevailing laws stated that
women could not own property.” WIPO also
discusses the gender gap in patent filings—only about 4% to 20% of patent
applications include a female inventor depending on the country. The United States is at 10%. Interestingly, WIPO points to several causes
of the gap: 1) fewer women in STEM fields; 2) “Female scientists and engineers
are less likely than their male counterparts to think about commercializing
their inventions, and are less comfortable marketing themselves and their work
to potential business partners.;” and 3) Female scientists and engineers “are
less likely to be invited to sit on prestigious scientific boards or advisory panels
where they could meet potential innovation partners.”
The Brookings Institute recently announced the creation of
Sourcelist. Sourcelist is a database of
women who are experts in technology policy, and coming soon—a database of other
diverse groups who are also experts in technology policy. Sourcelist states that it was created
because:
Recognizing that women and underrepresented genders in
technology policy—a field at the intersection of Silicon Valley and the
Washington Beltway—face a particular set of institutional barriers, we
dedicated the first Sourcelist database to Women+. Issues associated with
underrepresentation have not gone unnoticed, and countless organizations have
made important progress in raising awareness of the problem and educating
stakeholders on the importance of greater gender diversity. Sourcelist seeks to
help in the last mile of those efforts; it is a resource for those looking to
put good intention into practice.
This looks like a great idea! If you are female, sign up to get on the list!
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