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International Day of Women and Girls in Science - Bridging the gender gap with Dr Sheyda Shahriari



As we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we want to take a moment to recognise the progress being made to overcome the underrepresentation of women in scientific profession fields and the rise in female enrolment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses. According to the UNESCO Science Report in 2021, across the globe, one in three researchers in science is a woman.

However, there is still a significant gap in gender representation with women and girls often being underrepresented. At a global level, only 12% of members within science academies are women. They make up for only a quarter of the graduates in science institutes and 40% of the graduates in computer science. 

Women in science are substantial advocates of change. They have already heavily contributed, and continue, to assist countries in expediting the fulfilment of all SDGs. It is, therefore, pivotal that they are provided a greater platform within the sphere of science and technology. 

We recently talked to Dr Sheyda Shahriari about her own chronicles in STEM and the importance of women in science. She told us about the current challenges that are faced by women, as well as suitable remedies that will steer the course towards greater inclusion and energise the evolution of science for the benefit of all. 

"As a woman in science, I have had the opportunity to witness first-hand the incredible contributions and impact that women have made in the field. Despite facing numerous obstacles and biases, women have consistently proven that their intelligence, creativity, and dedication are just as valuable as those of their male counterparts.

One of the most significant challenges that women in science face is the lack of representation, especially in leadership positions. Women are underrepresented in many scientific fields and are not often given the same opportunities for advancement as men. This not only limits the contributions of individual women, but also fetters the diversity of perspectives and ideas within the field.

Another challenge that women in science face is the gender bias that is often present in the workplace. This can take many forms, from subtle microaggressions to outright discrimination. It can make it difficult for women to be taken seriously, to be given credit for their work, or even to be given equal pay and benefits as men.

Despite these challenges, women in science have made significant strides in recent years. More and more women are pursuing careers in science, and many are achieving great success. Organisations such as the National Science Foundation and the American Association for the Advancement of Science have launched initiatives to increase the representation of women in science. Alongside this, many universities and research institutions have implemented policies to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

As a woman in science, I am proud to be part of this movement and to be able to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in my field. I believe that the more women we have in science, the more diverse and innovative our field will become. I encourage other women to pursue careers in science, support one another, and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

I also believe it is important to focus on encouraging girls to pursue careers in science. Research has shown that girls often lose interest in science and maths at a young age, due to bias and stereotypes, a lack of role models, and a lack of opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences. By providing girls with the support and resources they need to succeed in science, we can help to change this narrative and ensure that the next generation of scientists represents all members of society.

The future of science shines brighter with more girls involved, as a greater diversity of perspectives, ideas, and ways of thinking will be brought to the field. The more diverse the field, the more innovative and impactful the research can be. This can lead to new discoveries, new technologies, and new ways of understanding the world around us. By encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, we are not only helping to create a more equitable and inclusive field, but we are also helping to drive the progress and advancement of science for the benefit of all."

A huge thank you to Dr Shahriari for providing us with your own unique insights on what we can do to succeed in the movement to provide greater, and more equitable, opportunities for women and girls to be at the forefront of innovative science. Not only will this drive a more inclusive and diverse field, but also a greater future for science that will benefit all levels of society.

In light of the celebration for this particular day, we direct our attention towards SDG 5, Gender Equality. In order for greater sustainability to be unlocked, industries such as STEM must ensure that equal opportunities are given to all, regardless of gender. This can only be achieved through the encouragement and furtherance of equality between men and women. Only then, can we work towards unlocking gender equality in all areas of life and move towards a greater realisation of sustainability on this earth.

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