Rishika Lakshmi
Observed annually on February 11, the International Day for Women and Girls in Science is a global initiative adopted by the United Nations to promote the participation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The day aims to celebrate the achievements of women already successful in these fields while advocating for greater inclusion and equality. The United Nations, in collaboration with national governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society partners, universities, and corporations, drives this observance to encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM.
Despite progress made in the 1960s to the 1980s, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM. In the U.S., the number of women earning science and engineering degrees rose during this period but plateaued in the 1980s. A 2013 UK study showed that, over the previous 25 years, there was little change in female participation in STEM fields. Societal and cultural barriers-such as traditional gender roles, early marriage expectations, and discrimination in the labor market-continue to hinder women’s progress, particularly in developing regions like Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean. These obstacles limit women’s opportunities to pursue education and careers in science and technology.
The gender gap in STEM careers remains significant. Women account for just 34% of the workforce in STEM fields, with men vastly outnumbering women, particularly in high-growth and high-paying sectors such as computer science and engineering. For instance, only 21% of engineering students and 19% of computer science majors are women. While women make up 80% of the healthcare workforce, they hold only 21% of executive roles and a third of doctor positions.
Girls are often discouraged from pursuing STEM fields due to societal stereotypes, lack of female role models, and biases within education systems. These barriers, combined with limited mentorship and societal gender expectations, prevent many girls from seeing science and technology careers as viable options.
However, women have made significant contributions to science that have shaped history. Marie Curie, the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, revolutionized the study of radioactivity. Rosalind Franklin’s work in X-ray diffraction was pivotal in discovering DNA’s double helix structure. In India, Dr. Anna Mani’s work in meteorology has been critical to atmospheric science, while Dr. Tessy Thomas, known as the “Missile Woman of India,” played a crucial role in India’s missile development program. These women, and many others, serve as inspiring role models, showing that women have always been at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements.
Increasing the participation of women in STEM is essential for fostering innovation, diversity, and inclusive solutions to global challenges. Women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills that are crucial for the advancement of science and technology. By encouraging more girls to pursue STEM fields, we not only close the gender gap but also unlock a wealth of untapped talent that can drive future discoveries and innovations.
Influential figures such as Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Dr. Tessy Thomas demonstrate that women can lead groundbreaking research and technological progress. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that empowering the next generation of female scientists through mentorship, support, and equal opportunities is crucial for shaping a more inclusive and innovative future.
By increasing female representation in STEM, we can ensure a more equitable and dynamic future in science and technology, benefiting society as a whole.
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