The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a reminder that gender equality in STEM is about challenging the barriers that prevent participation. This year’s theme stresses the need to challenge biases, build inclusive learning environments, and create supportive ecosystems where girls can thrive in science. As we mark this day, it is essential to recognise that the responsibility of fostering change lies not only with women and girls but with families, educators, workplaces, and society.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have shaped the world in ways we cannot imagine living without. Yet, access to these fields has been limited for centuries—not by capability but by deep-rooted gender norms. Society has long dictated who belongs in science and who does not. The result? Fewer women and girls pursue STEM, not due to lack of interest or ability, but because they are made to believe it is not for them.

 

The Barriers Start Early

From childhood, subtle biases shape the way girls see themselves. They are often encouraged towards humanities and caregiving professions, while boys are pushed towards mathematics, technology, and scientific innovation. Even when girls demonstrate potential in these fields, they often struggle with self-doubt, driven by limited representation and a lack of social encouragement.

Families and communities play a critical role in either reinforcing or challenging these stereotypes. When girls are supported in pursuing science, they thrive. When they are questioned—“Is this really for you?”—they hesitate. 

A hesitation that should never exist!

 

Beyond Access: Building a Culture of Support

The challenge is not just about getting more girls into STEM education. It is about ensuring they stay. It is about transforming workplaces, academia, and leadership spaces to be free from gender bias. It is about mentorship, visibility, and systemic change.

At Equal Community Foundation, we believe that achieving gender equality requires engaging boys and men in challenging restrictive social norms through our gender transformative programmes. It is about reshaping perspectives, when boys understand that science knows no gender, they become allies in creating a future where every girl can pursue her dreams of innovation without limitations.

The world needs more scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers, and we cannot afford to silence half the population. Let us move beyond celebrating the few who break through and start changing the systems that hold so many back.

A world of science without limits is a world of possibilities. How do we get there? 

By changing the way we think today.

 

#STEMForAll #BreakingBarriers #GenderEquality #HerPlaceInScience #ChaloSochBadalteHai

 

 

Urasmita Ghosh, Communications Associate, Equal Community Foundation