SPACE India recently conducted a webinar to celebrate The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, on February 11th, which highlights the vital role women play in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and underscores the need for greater gender inclusivity in these fields. This year’s theme, “Charting Progress to Shape the Future: The Best is Yet to Come,” serves as a reminder of the achievements of women in STEM while inspiring the next generation to break barriers and pursue their passions.
The Historical Struggles and Triumphs of Women in STEM
Historically, women’s contributions to STEM have been underrecognized, despite their groundbreaking work. Take, for example, the Harvard Computers, a group of women in the early 20th century who revolutionized astronomy by classifying stars and laying the foundation for future research. Despite their contributions, they were largely overlooked. However, progress is being made as more women enter STEM fields and receive due recognition.
In recent years, we have witnessed inspiring moments such as Dr. Katie Bouman’s pioneering work in developing algorithms that led to the first-ever image of a black hole in 2019. This marks a significant step in celebrating and acknowledging women’s contributions to science and technology.
Pioneering Women in STEM
Throughout history, many women have played crucial roles in advancing STEM fields. Here are a few notable names:
- Katherine Johnson – A NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to early space missions.
- Ada Lovelace – The world’s first computer programmer.
- Annie Jump Cannon – An astronomer known for her work in stellar classification.
- Rosalind Franklin – A chemist whose research was key to understanding DNA structure.
- Henrietta Swan Leavitt – An astronomer who discovered the relationship between a star’s brightness and its distance from Earth.
Their achievements serve as a testament to the capabilities and resilience of women in STEM.
Encouraging More Women in STEM
The presence of women leaders in STEM is essential for fostering inclusivity and inspiring young girls to pursue these careers. Women role models provide mentorship, create a sense of belonging, and encourage girls to envision themselves in scientific and technological roles. Educational institutions and organizations must support these efforts through:
- Scholarships and funding for women in STEM education
- Mentorship and networking programs
- Inclusive workplace policies
- STEM outreach programs targeting young girls
Inspiring Stories from Today’s Women in STEM
The journey of today’s women in STEM is equally inspiring. Experts like Dr. Priya Shah, Dr. Anushka Pal, and Ms Samiksha Mahakulkar have broken barriers and contributed immensely to their respective fields in physics, chemistry, and aerospace engineering. Their experiences reflect the importance of persistence, passion, and institutional support in enabling women to thrive in STEM careers.
Meet the Speakers
- Dr. Priya Shah: Currently an Assistant Professor in Physics at the Department of Physics, Maulana Azad National Urdu University. She was awarded the Women Scientists Award by the Department of Science and Technology in 2006 and was invited to participate in the International Visitors Leadership Program in 2011, where she delivered lectures in the United States. Dr. Shah is also the co-chair of the Women in Astronomy Working Group of the International Astronomical Union and has been actively involved in outreach programs promoting women’s participation in astronomy.
- Dr Anushka Pal: An Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Miranda House College, University of Delhi. She is an alumna of Miranda House and completed her Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. Dr. Pal has been a visiting research scholar at the University of Regensburg, Germany, and has published several research papers in international journals. She has also authored book chapters for Wiley Scrivener Publishing House and Elsevier. Her dedication to research and education makes her a strong advocate for encouraging young women to pursue chemistry.
Ms. Samiksha Mahakulkar: A Launch Pad Operations Engineer at Isar Aerospace in Norway. Passionate about the space industry, she chose a career in aerospace despite receiving offers from other fields such as oil and gas. Previously, she served as a Propulsion Engineer and later as an Assistant Manager in the Quality and Safety Department. Her expertise covers both technical proficiency and operational excellence, and she continues to inspire young women to break barriers in the global aerospace sector.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
While progress has been made, systemic changes are still needed to ensure equal opportunities for women in STEM. Governments, educational institutions, and private sectors must work together to:
- Bridge the gender gap in STEM careers
- Promote inclusive hiring and leadership roles
- Encourage young girls to explore STEM fields through education and mentorship
As we celebrate the achievements of women in STEM, we must also commit to building a future where gender is no longer a barrier in science and technology. The best is truly yet to come, and by fostering an environment of inclusion and support, we can inspire the next generation of women to reach for the stars—both literally and metaphorically.
—
If you like the blog, enroll your school or yourself (k-12 student) in our School Programs or Online Programs, call us at +91-74020 74020 or write to us for any query: getintouch@space-india.com
