Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Women in Science

By Er. Gargi Mishra

Every year on February 11, the world comes together to celebrate “The International Day of Women and Girls in Science”; a day that honours curiosity, courage, and the determination of countless women who dared to ask questions and search for answers. 

Established by the United Nations in 2015, this day not only celebrates achievements but also reminds us that the journey toward gender equality in science is still ongoing.

Science touches every part of our daily lives: from the medicines that keep us healthy to the technology that connects us. Yet, for a long time, women and girls were pushed to the sidelines of scientific discovery. This day serves as a powerful reminder that science works best when everyone is given a seat at the table.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Science

Even today, women remain underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

According to UNESCO, women contribute only about 33 percent of researchers worldwide, with even fewer in fields such as engineering, physics, and artificial intelligence. These gaps do not exist because girls lack ability or interest, but because of stereotypes, limited encouragement, and unequal access to opportunities.

When women are missing from science, innovation suffers.

Science thrives on diverse ideas and perspectives. Teams that include people from different backgrounds are better at solving complex problems; whether it is fighting climate change, improving healthcare, or shaping ethical technology. 
Gender equality in science is not just a social ideal; it is essential for progress.

Women Who Changed the World

History is full of women whose contributions transformed science, even when their work went unnoticed. 
* Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, opened new paths in the study of radioactivity. 
* Rosalind Franklin’s research played a crucial role in discovering the structure of DNA.
* Katherine Johnson’s mathematical brilliance helped make space travel possible.

In recent times, women have continued to lead revolutionary discoveries. In 2020, Dr. Jennifer Doudna and Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing CRISPR gene-editing technology; an innovation that is changing the future of medicine and genetics. Their success reminds us that brilliance has no gender.

Indian Women Scientists Who Inspire

India has been home to many remarkable women scientists whose achievements continue to inspire generations.

* Dr. Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space, showed the world that dreams can cross borders. Her journey from a small town in India to NASA remains a powerful source of inspiration.
* Dr. Tessy Thomas, known as the “Missile Woman of India,” played a key role in India’s missile development programmes and became the first woman to lead a missile project in the country.
* Dr. Janaki Ammal, a pioneering botanist, made important contributions to plant genetics and biodiversity, helping strengthen India’s agricultural research.
* Dr. Asima Chatterjee, a trailblazing chemist, contributed to the development of anti-malarial and anti-cancer drugs, saving countless lives.

In recent years, women scientists at ISRO have played vital roles in missions such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, proving that Indian women are at the forefront of space science and innovation.

Inspiring the Next Generation

At the heart of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is the hope of inspiring young minds. When girls are encouraged to explore science early, they develop confidence, curiosity, and ambition. Yet many still face discouragement due to stereotypes, lack of support, or the absence of visible role models.

Mentorship programmes, science workshops, and initiatives such as Girls Who Code are helping change this story. When girls see women thriving as scientists, engineers, and innovators, they begin to believe that they can follow the same path.

The Way Forward

Although progress has been made, challenges remain. Gender bias, unequal access to funding, and the “leaky pipeline”: where women leave STEM careers at different stages, continue to slow change.

Building an inclusive scientific community requires effort from everyone: schools that encourage girls equally, workplaces that support women’s careers, and policies that ensure fairness and opportunity.

An inclusive future in science means valuing talent, supporting work-life balance, and recognising achievements, regardless of gender.

A Collective Responsibility

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is more than a celebration. It is a call to action. Empowering women and girls in science means creating a world where curiosity is encouraged, potential is nurtured, and opportunities are open to all.

A Message for Society

This day is also a reminder to society at large. Every person, regardless of gender, should feel free to ask questions, experiment, and dream big. No girl should ever feel that science is “not for her.”

When women and girls are empowered to explore, discover, and innovate, science becomes stronger and so does humanity.