6.3.4 Additional interventions

The above analysis of the barriers showed which barriers can be overcome by which interventions. Almost all identified barriers could be linked to the identified governmental and/or organizational interventions. However, there are some barriers that could not be linked to the identified governmental or organizational interventions discussed in this PhD research, or which can be linked to a limited extent only. These are the barriers gender stereotypes, career preferences, type of work, employee turnover rate, Dutch culture and part-time work. Accordingly, alternative interventions are needed to overcome these barriers. The paragraphs below discuss which additional interventions can be implemented to overcome the identified barriers that were not addressed by the interventions identified in this PhD research. These interventions were not found in the research and are, therefore, not part of the research, but do provide possible avenues for interventions that could be implemented in the future.

The barrier type of work can be overcome by governmental interventions. Governments can, for instance, encourage women to opt for technical studies by setting up promotional campaigns that make these studies attractive for women. If more women enter technical studies and technical jobs as a result of these campaigns, this can also help to break down the existing gender stereotype that women are not suitable for these types of jobs. If more and more women enter these jobs their career preferences might also change. Furthermore, if more women are in technical positions, they become role models for other women.

Another intervention that could be implemented is an intervention to overcome the barriers of Dutch culture and part-time work. These barriers can be overcome by governmental interventions. For instance, governments can instigate supportive interventions that increase the likelihood that women will work less part-time. This can be done, for instance, by providing parents good childcare facilities. Another intervention is to make it more acceptable for men to work part-time. This can be done by means of government campaigns, but companies also play a role in supporting their male employees in their decision to work part-time. These interventions can help to bring an end to women’s disadvantaged position because women are more likely to work part-time than men. Such interventions increase the likelihood that women will work more days a week, which also increases their chances of pursuing a career.