[ChillyWater]

How much encouragement is enough? What's so special about science and engineering? Why aren't young boys encouraged more to get into Nursing and Early Childhood Development? Why have all of my realtors been women?

What a waste of time. Wear what you dig. Get a job that interests you (not society or your parents).

[bitwize]

I have completely selfish, sexist reasons for wanting more women in science and engineering: Women who are into science and eng are more interesting to be around and, ultimately, date.

[erikpukinskis]

Are you unaware of the shortage of engineers? Have you tried to hire a good developer or engineer lately? We need more, and women are an obvious underutilized talent pool.

[silverlake]

There's no shortage. You just can't hire the ones you want at the price you want. Economics lesson: Lower your standards or raise your price.

[lena]

I don't know how it is where you live, but around here boys and men ARE encouraged to get into education and childcare (and all my realtors were men).