Gender differences in problem solving have been studied systematically in adults in laboratory situations. A recent special report by Scientific American shows that, on average, men perform better than women at certain spatial tasks. They also outperform women in mathematical reasoning. Women, on average, excel on tests that measure recall of words. They also tend to be better than men in performing precise manual tasks.
Women also score higher on mathematical calculation tests.
Wendy and Karen believe that women bring special qualities to the practice of engineering, including perceptiveness, caring and relationship building. We also tend to be better listeners and are better at thinking of the little things. This makes engineering fun and highly challenging. But, to produce more engineers, a better grounding in mathematics and science for all citizens is not only a matter of making good on the South African promise of equal opportunity. It is a pragmatic necessity if South Africa is to become economically competitive on a global scale, says Lacquet.