Empowering Women in STEM

Breaking barriers and shaping futures

Somehow, it’s March. Is it just me, or did the month of February fly by after January made sure you felt every single one of those 31 days?

If you’re based out of the USA, you might be aware March ushers in Women's History Month! March was chosen as Women's History Month to coincide with International Women's Day; the idea of dedicating a specific month to the history and contributions of women has gained global momentum as a way to recognize and honour the often-overlooked achievements and roles of women throughout history.

And women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) have historically been underrepresented and their contributions often overlooked. I mean, I had a whole TEDx talk about this issue in marine science (specifically shark science)! Despite significant progress in recent years, women continue to face barriers and challenges in pursuing careers in STEM fields, and their achievements are frequently marginalized or ignored. Studies have still found evidence of bias against women in grant funding and conference participation, which can impede their ability to advance their careers and gain recognition for their work. Not to mention that women are also disproportionately affected by the expectation to balance career and family responsibilities; the demanding nature of STEM careers, with long hours and inflexible schedules, can make it particularly challenging for women to remain in or advance in their field.

One of the significant challenges women encounter in STEM is the persistence of stereotypes. From an early age, girls are often exposed to societal expectations that discourage their interest in STEM subjects. Since childhood, I’ve wanted to become a marine scientist. However, the absence of female marine biologists - especially those who identified as Latina - left me questioning the possibility of such a path for myself.

“Can a woman be a scientist?” I asked myself one night, nestled amidst my stuffed animals and with my parents' voices muffled in the background.

Creating a more inclusive STEM community begins with education. This includes both formal and informal education! Schools and universities should actively encourage girls to explore their interests in science and technology, offering mentorship programs and showcasing diverse role models to ignite inspiration. I believe it’s crucial for children to have exposure to a wide range of role models across various professions they aspire to pursue (which is why I wrote my picture book, Mother of Sharks/Madre de los Tiburones).

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know how passionate I am about representation and diversity in STEM. I could go on a very long rant about this topic. But I won’t. Instead, I’m going to ask: have you checked in with your daughters this month? Your sisters, granddaughters, nieces, primas, vecinas?

As parents, mentors, and champions of the next generation, we hold a profound responsibility to nurture confidence and resilience in younger girls. Born in the digital age, these new generations are grappling with the pervasive influence of social media, contending with pressures to conform to curated online personas and facing the spectre of cyberbullying and online harassment. Moreover, entrenched gender stereotypes and societal expectations persist, potentially impeding their self-expression and aspirations. Body image concerns, fuelled by unrealistic standards propagated in media and advertising, can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. Climate anxiety and global uncertainties further compound their sense of unease. And despite strides in gender equality, barriers persist in STEM fields and leadership roles, thwarting their academic and career ambitions.

Yikes. That’s quite a bit to deal with all at once, no?

In a world brimming with opportunities and challenges, instilling a strong sense of self lays the foundation for their journey as future leaders. And that’s where we come in. Here are three tips for us to empower our girls and foster unshakable confidence:

Embrace Their Individuality

Create a safe space where your daughter (or however this young girl is related to you) feels comfortable sharing her thoughts, emotions, and dreams. Support her in uncovering her talents, hobbies, and interests. Practice active listening, acknowledge her feelings, and provide helpful advice without criticism. Emphasize that diversity is a source of strength and that being true to oneself is a superpower!

Here are some questions to ignite some insightful discussions:

• What activities make you feel happiest or most fulfilled?

• What subjects in school do you find most interesting or enjoyable?

• Is there a particular hobby or skill you've always wanted to try or learn more about?

• What do you admire most about yourself?

• Are there any role models or people you look up to? What qualities do you admire in them?

• Can you share a time when you felt really confident and comfortable being yourself?

• How do you think your unique perspective adds value to our family/community/school?

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Encourage them to embrace a love for learning and exploration. Highlight the value of putting in effort, staying persistent, and always striving to improve. Inspire her to see challenges not as roadblocks, but as chances to come up with creative solutions. Teach her to celebrate both successes and failures as valuable opportunities for growth and learning!

Promote Positive Self-Talk

Show her the strength of positive self-talk by leading as a model of confidence and strength. Let your determination, flexibility, and self-assurance shine through your actions. Your example speaks volumes and can deeply inspire her. Encourage affirmations and constructive inner dialogue. Assist her in confronting negative thoughts and nurturing a mindset based on self-kindness and self-confidence. Try these affirmations to kickstart your journey together:

• "I am capable of achieving great things."

• "I believe in myself and my abilities."

• "I am unique and valuable just as I am."

• "I am surrounded by love and support."

• "I am enough, just as I am."

• "I am brave and can face challenges with courage."

• "I am deserving of success and happiness."

• "Mistakes help me learn and grow."

• "I am responsible for my own happiness and choices."

• "I am grateful for the opportunities life brings me."

As adults, we play a pivotal role in shaping the confidence and character of our girls. By creating a supportive environment, we help them grow into strong, compassionate, and resilient leaders of the future. This transformation doesn't happen overnight but through consistent, ongoing support. However, with these tips, we can empower them to dream big, embrace challenges, and shine brightly – every month of the year.