On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we reflect on the inspiring journeys and insights shared by women leaders in the STEM fields. From breaking stereotypes to navigating the complexities of work-life balance, their stories underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where every woman can thrive.
“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, we see many notable contributions from women in enhancing innovation and amplifying collective intelligence. Any organization with a strong female workforce thrives on diverse ideas, perspectives, and experiences essential for holistic innovation. Therefore, it’s imperative to recognize and celebrate the unique strength of every woman employee and thereby foster an inclusive and sustainable working ecosystem.
Across the corporate sector and especially in the core science and tech industry of today, upskilling and reskilling have emerged as critical gamechangers. At EY GDS, our intensive workshops provide hands-on training in niche areas, significantly bolstering our people’s skills and expanding their networks. Our focus on collaborating within diverse teams has significantly amplified creativity and fostered innovation.
In summary, our commitment to create a supportive ecosystem has helped in amplifying diverse voices and to empower women to cultivate their full potential. We aspire to forge a future where every woman has an opportunity to realize her full potential and contribute to the tapestry of scientific, technological innovations and advancements”. – Kousheyee Ghosh, Executive Director, EMEIA BC Transformation Delivery and ITS, GDS Consulting.
“In the 90s, I was the only girl at my high school in Ludhiana who chose Math and Biology. Back then, girls weren’t encouraged to study these subjects. But my family supported me. My brother, an engineer, pushed me to study electrical engineering and pushed me to pursue a three-year computer science diploma. Even while studying engineering, the motivations of women studying along with me were more to do with improving marriage prospects than building careers. Sadly, this pressure continues to overshadow individual aspirations even today. But families and institutions can change this by encouraging them to expand their horizons and look beyond traditional roles.
Today, as a mentor to women in STEM, my advice is simple yet powerful: be bold. Too often, we’re conditioned to seek permission before pursuing our ambitions. But I encourage them to stand their ground, trust their instincts, and assert themselves in a world that may not always be welcoming. Alongside technical skills, I try to orient them towards the importance of cultivating a strong support network. In an industry where challenges are inevitable, having a community to lean on can make all the difference. The journey will be filled with highs and lows. Resilience and determination are essential when going against the grain. By staying positive and taking small steps forward, one can reach remarkable destinations that once seemed impossible.
The significance of women in STEM roles cannot be overstated. Their unique perspectives and contributions enrich the field, driving innovation and progress. Yet, they continue to face barriers and biases. It’s imperative that we champion their ambitions, dismantle societal stereotypes, and create an inclusive environment where every woman feels empowered to pursue her passions in science and technology. Only then can we truly harness the full potential of our collective talent and creativity.” – Parmjeet Virdi, Director, Data Analytics, Delivery, Engineering, Publicis Sapient.
“STEM is one of the exceptionally demanding fields in the contemporary landscape that poses a unique set of hurdles for women, specifically those navigating motherhood. The integration of career and family responsibilities often creates a lack of balance which can often only be addressed with a temporary slowdown. In such situations, fostering a conducive environment for women greatly helps them maximize their potential. Having had the privilege of working with Bosch Global Software Technologies, I have personally experienced the benefits of such an environment, which has not only allowed me to excel professionally but has also fostered a sense of belonging and receiving support within the organization.
A comprehensive organizational strategy should ideally include flexible work arrangements, remote options, and childcare support. Organizations must actively combat unconscious biases that may hamper the perception of a woman’s work, to ensure equal opportunities for career progression. Women returning to workforce should also have the option to consider mentoring or coaching programs that aim to empower them. These initiatives will facilitate a smoother transition and cultivate an inclusive work culture.
For young female STEM aspirants, a cultural mindset shift is imperative. Various factors can facilitate this development. In addition to an enriching academic environment, students should also be introduced to practical sessions driven by new age technology. It is also crucial to expose young girls to successful women role models who are engaged in landmark scientific missions. This helps reaffirm confidence in female students and exemplifies the role they play in traditionally male-dominated fields. In conclusion, establishing an inclusive and supportive environment during early education and career re-entry is critical as it helps overcome gender barriers and allows women to tap into their full potential.” – Ekta Dubey, Senior Technical Project Lead, Bosch Global Software Technologies.
“Emphasizing the pivotal role women play in shaping a sustainable future through scientific leadership, the 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science is themed Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability. The special day encourages society to recognize and support the potential of women and girls in science, inspiring them to pursue careers and leadership roles in scientific fields. In discussing the theme, it is evident that fostering women’s leadership in science is not just about gender equality but also a catalyst for achieving sustainable development goals. The theme reflects a call to action, urging communities, governments, and organizations to provide equal opportunities for women and girls in science, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.” – Melody Lopez, Director and Chief of Staff, Crayon Software Experts India
