On Feb. 11, the International Day for Women and Girls in Science is celebrated. The day highlights the contributions of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while also addressing the gender gap in these fields that are mainly dominated by men. The day was created by the United Nations in 2015 to encourage women and girls to have equal access to scientific education and jobs.
The Aliso Niguel High School official Instagram page @anhswolverines has also recognized the day by posting about it in the February reminders. Across the globe, there are also other celebrations for this day. It is important to remember the influential women in STEM who have led to incredible discoveries and achievements in scientific research.
Despite efforts to include more women in STEM, women still remain underrepresented in STEM careers.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, “Less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women.”
Limited support from peers or being pressured into different fields are often the barriers faced by women in STEM. Also, the limited access to resources to continue education and gender stereotypes that affect women from STEM.
Ms. Zhou states, “The science field is mainly dominated by men; that’s why some women feel not very seen in the field. Women might be uncomfortable to be the only women in a research group; however, in recent years, there have been more women who have been majoring in biology and other science related fields.”
To address these challenges, organizations have implemented programs to support women in STEM. Scholarships, mentorship initiatives and advocacy efforts aim to increase female participation in science and technology-related fields. Some schools also play a role by encouraging girls to take interest in subjects such as mathematics, physics and engineering from a young age.
The International Day for Women and Girls in Science helps remind people of the importance of the ongoing need for inclusivity in STEM. Helping make women and girls feel more included and interested in science and other STEM fields will help to increase diversity in these fields and contribute to a more innovative future.
Mrs. Murphy states, “I would suggest that people make sure to take as many courses in high school as they can. I know many people in this high school are opting out of Honors Chem and AP Chem and are taking general or CP Chem and to be 100% honest, you do not learn enough chemistry in that class to be successful later on. And chemistry is super important.”
Mrs. Murphy adds, “It does not matter what science you major in; you will take a lot of chemistry in college, and as far as here at ANHS, people should take honors chem. We have an amazing science department and offer many AP classes and any of their AP classes you can take would be beneficial to not only get you in a good school but to also be prepared for college. I’ve heard of many kids opting out of honors bio and honors chem and it saddens me as I know you have to have more to be successful.”
