April 5, 2024 Lab Coats to Leadership: A Celebration of Women in STEM

Volume 27 | Issue 1

Explore the impact and challenges for women in STEM this International Day of Women & Girls in Science with insights from industry leaders.

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Ever heard of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science? It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the remarkable contributions of women and girls in the world of science and technology. This special day was established back in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly to shine a light on the essential role of women in scientific fields. Since then, every February 11th, we’ve been honoring these trailblazers.

Despite the progress we’ve made in women’s education, there’s still a noticeable gap in STEM fields. Women are still underrepresented, and that’s a big deal because we need diverse perspectives to solve the complex challenges we face today. Think about it – from cli mate change to medical breakthroughs, we need everyone on board.

Now, let’s talk numbers. Globally, women make up only about 28 percent of researchers, and less than 30 percent choose STEM fields in higher education. And when it comes to STEM jobs, women hold just 24 percent of them worldwide. Plus, there’s still this pesky gender pay gap in STEM careers. It’s clear we’ve got some work to do.

But hey, here’s the good news – more and more women are stepping up and pursuing careers in STEM. That’s something worth celebrating! We just need to make sure we’re giving them the support they need to succeed. Because when we empower women and girls in science, we’re not just changing lives – we’re shaping the future.

And you know what’s really cool? Experts agree. They’re all about championing women and girls in science because they know that when we do, everyone wins. So let’s keep cheering on these STEM superstars and creating a world where everyone’s talents are recognized and valued.

Sara Faatz, Director, Technology Community Relations, Progress
“Though incredible strides have been made in recent years, the hard work of breaking down the barriers for women in STEM is really just beginning. Women still only make up less than one-third of STEM employees despite earning the majority of all undergraduate and advanced degrees. This year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women in STEM—but it’s also a chance to think deeply about the obstacles that prevent so many young women from realizing their potential in these fields. Working to combat discrimination is one component of this program, but it’s just as important to create the actual material conditions for tomorrow’s women in STEM to thrive. Progress’ global Women in STEM Scholarship series aims to do just that and was established to support women studying computer science, software engineering, IT and/or computer information systems.”

Sheena Blanco, Head of Customer Experience at Next DLP
“The opportunities for women to work in STEM these days are myriad. Back when I was at school, Information Technology wasn’t even on the curriculum, but during my first year at Stirling University, I discovered computer science. It was through my interest in learning computer languages that I found my true calling and embarked on a stimulating and rewarding career in technology. What is clear from my journey is that there is something in STEM for everyone. Throughout my career, I’ve developed and refined a diverse set of skills crucial to my current role, blending my technical skills in computing science with my proficiency in languages and communication. Achieving this level of expertise required not only hard work and dedication but also resilience in overcoming the gender biases that unfortunately existed in the field of technology. The landscape is now changing for the better, and it’s crucial for women to hold firm in their self-belief and know they have a very rightful place within STEM fields. Our growing presence and achievements underscore a pivotal point: capability and skill transcend any bias. My advice for any girls or women taking up studies, or considering a career, in STEM is to go for it. On this day, we must remember that women have already contributed to STEM in some extraordinary ways, and this is only the beginning.”

Sylvia Zachary, Cybersecurity & Software Director – Secure Communications (SCOM), Cubic Defense
“In my current role at Cubic Defense, I am proud to say Human Capital is a priority in all business strategies. Over my career, I have seen incredible changes for the better, such as critical breakthroughs past the infamous glass ceiling. Companies have created significant momentum and progress in developing environments that cultivate diversity, inclusion and equity – especially in critical industries like technology, security and public safety. However, there is always more work to be done. Organizational leaders today are more open to constructive feedback and wish to foster workplaces that invite talent regardless of gender. This openness to formulating cultures created to understand and promote diversity drives innovation in business solution-making. I have seen teams with this structure overwhelmingly succeed. And for the women still looking for their chance to break through, I encourage each of you to remember and value your contributions and accomplishments. Hold faith in your abilities, seek support systems that uplift you and help you achieve your career goals, and be open to embracing constructive criticisms that will help you succeed in the long term. Heading into two incredibly important occasions (Engineers Week and International Day of Women and Girls in STEM), I want women to come together and take the steps towards building these ecosystems, safe spaces, and their strengths that make them formidable.”

Arti Raman, CEO and founder, Portal26 (She/Her)
“Encouraging women to persist in STEM careers requires ongoing representation in these roles. Unfortunately, girls often divert from STEM paths due to disparities in treatment, both in educational settings and professional fields. Recent statistics highlight a concerning 50 percent drop in women holding tech roles by the age of 35, signaling issues like insufficient support and undervaluation of their capabilities. While progress has been made, there’s more work ahead, starting with enhancing visibility and representation.

As a minority tech entrepreneur, I’m acutely aware of the diversity gap. It’s time to boldly fill this gap in the tech landscape by fostering trust and collaborating for increased representation. Striking a balance between personal growth and shaping the next generation of female entrepreneurs is our responsibility. We can help close this gap by applauding achievements, creating growth opportunities, and consistently reminding all girls and women of their boundless potential.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in STEM, it’s crucial to recognize that educating our sons is equally pivotal for achieving gender equality. Men play a vital role in advancing this cause, and it begins by instilling the right values from an early age.”

Deepika Gajaria, VP of GTM and Strategy, Securin
“Looking ahead, the landscape of STEM fields is evolving, and there is an exciting opportunity to create a more inclusive and diverse future. My vision is to witness a flourishing of talent, where girls, women, and individuals from various backgrounds can fully embrace their passions in STEM and find their path in dynamic fields like cybersecurity. To pave the way for the next generation of STEM professionals, I recognize the importance of starting early in their educational journey. Organizations can play a pivotal role by investing time, resources, and enthusiasm in providing hands-on security and research experiences for students.

I am a staunch supporter of initiatives like the Living Classroom and the Sierra Club, which play a crucial role in leveling the playing field for those who may not have had the privilege to access similar resources. By empowering young minds, particularly girls, to explore their interests in STEM, we are actively dismantling the barriers that once hindered people from pursuing fulfilling careers in these fields. Together, we can foster an environment where every aspiring voice is not only heard but celebrated, contributing to a brighter and more inclusive future in STEM.”

International Day of Women and Girls in Science, established by the UN General Assembly in 2015, celebrates women’s contributions to STEM. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented, holding only 24 percent of STEM jobs globally. They comprise just 28 percent of researchers and less than 30 percent of STEM students in higher education. Challenges persist, including gender biases and a gender pay gap. However, initiatives like Progress’ Women in STEM Scholarship series, as advocated by Sara Faatz, aim to support women in computer science and related fields. Female leaders in technology like Sheena Blanco, Sylvia Zachary, Arti Raman, and Deepika Gajaria stress the importance of representation and support systems for women pursuing STEM careers.

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