STEM Careers: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

According to UNESCO, only one in three scientists are women and they make up just 35% of graduates in industry. Why is this so and is there anything I can do about it? For my role, I traveled to Toronto to attend conferences with other women working specifically in the environmental science field. During my trip, I had a unique opportunity to think and reflect on the diverse roles of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) industries. It is not very popular for women to work in science-related top-related jobs. And while there have been measures of progress, we still have work to do. Thankfully, there is hope. With some positive actions, we can foster lasting change.

February 11th is International Day of Women and Girls in Science And it’s rapidly approaching. To help you with your reading and reflection on this important day, I’ve rounded up some of the women’s perspectives on women that I gleaned from important discussions with other women during my work trip. Surprisingly, UNESCO calls for action to close the gender gap for women in science We also share some of these same ideas, scattered throughout the report.

How to close the gender gap for women in science

Encourage young girls to study stems

Start them when they’re young, and it’s worth noting that this advice goes beyond participating in the occasional class science experiment on and off. Young girls should be nurtured to fully explore stems and improve their skills. This includes training parents and teachers (training trainers) as catalysts for the learning progress of these young people. Girls with exceptional talent can then be encouraged to go a step further by ultimately focusing on areas of further study that closely match their unique skill set.

Show role models in the industry

The media (television, radio, print publications, internet) should highlight more scientists and researchers working on groundbreaking projects. We also reiterate again and again that these roles are not reserved only for men and boys. In the past, the work of such women was largely compromised. I reflected on the fact that there aren’t many female scientists that I can identify today that are recognized and are in positions of prominence today. Therefore, the media needs to do more. When young girls see women doing exemplary things and achieving great results, they will be inspired to learn and achieve themselves. This ultimately creates a ripple effect in the industry with endless implications.

Share your voice on a local and global level

We need women sitting in executive positions in relevant local and international organizations, and even in federal, state, and city governments, where opportunities to use space and open doors for women and girls are available. can come after. As we advocate for families, we also mobilize support for our communities. Women in prominent positions of power are decision makers who can influence and influence the life trajectories of others. I discussed this further with my traveling companions.

Women supporting each other are also important

There is a popular saying that goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go farther, go together” and it is true in today’s modern society. We are all better when we work as a team. Although highly visible women in science exist, they are few and often work alone and in isolation. If all women can put aside the prejudices and prejudices that threaten to separate us or cause division, there is no limit to what they can accomplish. Women should lend a helping hand to other women and foster a supportive environment where collaboration, communication, and connection are the norm. These are ideas that slowly rose to my consciousness as I chatted with my travel companions.

Reflections on the role at the intersection of stems and art

In recent years, I have observed that a new term has been developed called Steam, putting the “A” in STEM, which stands for Art. It’s a very interesting mix. Having studied communications at the university level and now working in the field of environmental science and education in my job, I have become incredibly fulfilled and enriched both personally and professionally. I think so.

We also discovered that the environmental education industry is primarily dominated by women. This makes sense since most teachers are women. If so, we have a common responsibility to upload values ​​that appeal to young girls looking to make a future career in science. But I’m a woman like myself who doesn’t quite fit into traditional science roles, who deeply appreciates what science has to offer the world, but who is more artistically inclined, and who has a deep appreciation for what science has to offer the world. I can’t help but think about how great it is to be able to use and communicate with. Amplifying the work of science and research. Basically, people like me are the go-to for scientists looking to involve and introduce a wider audience to their work. We craft compelling messages, distill complex concepts into easy-to-understand language, and employ a variety of creative media to spread awareness, including design.

As mentioned earlier, as mentioned earlier, we work better when we work together. I can’t help but think of that phrase as I reflect on the support I lend to amplify professionals in this industry and the symbiotic relationship that describes how they revive and recognize my value. No. Work – all the while inspiring the younger generation. Girls should be encouraged to enter the science communication field because it is equally important.

Recommendations for blending environmental science and fiction

If you love environmental science and books, but find it difficult to find good books that combine the two, check out Blaze Island by Katherine Bush. I’m currently reading this book. It is a climate-themed novel set in the North Atlantic and revolves around Miranda and her father, a former climate scientist. The storm disrupts Miranda’s presents and stirs up memories of her past. In the aftermath of the storm, her reality shifts and she is faced with navigating both her relationship with her father and an uncertain future. So far I’m enjoying this prose. If you get the book and read it, please let me know what you think about the story.

Happy International Women’s Day!

How does it reflect on February 11th? What will you commit to ensuring opportunities for women and girls to advance science?