Repository: UIHistories Project: SWE - Proceedings of the First International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists [PAGE 266]

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SYMPOSIUM ON DEVELOPING ENGINEERING AND SCIENTIFIC TALENT Statement by The Honorable W. Willard Wirtz, Secretary U. S. Department of Labor, Washington, D. C. This First International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists should constitute a milestone In the development and utilization of human resources. It recognizes that peoples the world over have mutual problems and challenges. It focuses attention on the potential capabilities of women, referred to by President Lyndon B. Johnson as an "untapped National resource." The Conference derives its significance from still another factor: It is looking toward the future—toward the better life all of a Nation's citizens can enjoy through scientific and technological achievement. Forecasts indicate excellent opportunities for those who seek careers in engineering and science. New scientific research and development work in atomic power, space exploration, electronics, solar-powered electricity, and aviation can be expected to create many more jobs for physical scientists, engineers, mathematicians, statisticians, and for assistants to the professional workers in these fields. Marked growth will continue in the medical and health services. Expansion is anticiapted in the teaching field. Clearly, If a Nation is to meet its need for qualified workers in these and other areas, the potentialities of women must be fully utilized. Such an action is In the national interest; It is in the tradition of our democracy. The combined resources of educational institutions, professional societies, business and industry, and Government must be directed toward motivating able young women to develop their maximum potential. Society still clings to the tradition that some occupations are men's work and others women's work. The sciences and engineering, for example, long have been considered to be more appropriate careers for men than for women. We can no longer afford such ill-conceived Ideas. Young women who have the capacity and desire to prepare for such professions not only must be tolerated but actively encouraged. Serious attention also must be given to the proposition of continuing education for mature women. The President's Commission on the Status of Women, in its report AMERICAN WOMEN, labeled this need as a priority. We need every resource of skilled manpower and womanpower we can muster. In considering the measures which must be taken to educate women for the fields of science and engineering, it is advisable that we examine the educational needs of the population as a whole. Within the reach of all Nation's youth must be good basic instruction^ dedicated teachers, and adequate facilities—and, as adulthood is reached, the opportunity for individual fulfillment. Our goal is a higher quality throughout life, in America and the world. We can attain it only as we strive for it.

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