#IDWGS Essay: ESSAY ON WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE by Challa Ruchira Yadav

Women and girls in science have a long and complex past which continues to evolve in society.From the ancient world to the present day women have a made a significant contribution in the science field,despite of facing many obstacles and numerous problems regarding gender inequality and societal norms.In this essay we will live through the historical state of affairs and the impact of women and girls in science and we will also acquire knowledge of the individuals who have started and accompanied us in this journey of science.This essay will anticipate the positive and negative aspects and latent the potential power of women and girls in science.


To understand the voyage and the challenges faced by the women and girl ,it is important to know the historical context. Throughout the history ,gender stereotypes and the society mindset have confined the women role in the domestic spheres.They were limited to certain duties in the society despite of their like and dislikes of their choice of living,in a simple phrase they were ruled by the opposite gender and by the society’s narrow mindset of being dominant on women and girls.However there were great women who have taken a step to break the boundaries and enlightening themself by choosing a brach of knowledge .In ancient Greece,Hypatia of Alexandrian was a renowned mathematician and philosopher.She taught philosophy

And astronomy and made significant contributions to the development of mathematical and astronomical theories.Despite of her achievements her life was tragically cut short due to conflict surrounding religious and family issues.

Another key figure from this era is Marie Curie. Born in Poland, Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (physics and chemistry). Her groundbreaking research on radioactivity laid the foundation for advances in nuclear physics and medicine. Curie's tireless dedication and groundbreaking discoveries continue to inspire women in science today.

Despite these early accomplishments, women in science faced significant barriers and discrimination throughout the 20th century. Many female scientists were denied opportunities for higher education and professional advancement. It was not until the second half of the century that significant strides were made towards gender equality in scientific fields. The Women's Liberation Movement and the fight for equal rights paved the way for increased opportunities for women in STEM disciplines.

One influential figure who played a key role in advocating for women in science is Jill Tarter. Tarter is an astronomer and a leading advocate for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). She co-founded the SETI Institute and dedicated her career to searching for signs of intelligent life beyond Earth. Tarter has been instrumental in encouraging the participation of women in astronomy and promoting diversity in the field.

In recent years, women have made significant progress in increasing their representation in scientific fields. Initiatives such as Girls Who Code and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) aim to bridge the gender gap in STEM disciplines. These programs provide support, mentorship, and educational opportunities for young girls interested in pursuing careers in science.

The impact of women and girls in science extends beyond their individual achievements. Diversity in scientific research has been proven to lead to better outcomes and more innovative solutions. Studies have shown that teams with a balanced mix of men and women tend to produce more creative and effective results. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that women and girls have equal opportunities and support in pursuing careers in science.

Despite the progress made, there are still significant challenges and barriers that women and girls face in scientific fields. The gender pay gap persists, with women in STEM fields earning less than their male counterparts. Additionally, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions and are often subject to bias and discrimination. These systemic issues must be addressed to create a more equitable and inclusive scientific community.

Looking to the future, it is crucial to continue pushing for increased representation of women and girls in science. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, we can unlock the full potential of scientific discovery and innovation. Companies and institutions must implement policies and practices that support and empower women in scientific fields. Mentorship programs, scholarships, and outreach initiatives are essential in encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM.

At present women and girls are constantly motivated towards STEM,India has taken an initiative to give their full support to women to pursue their dream in science branch.Many of the B.Tech collages have specially allotted time for developing minds of young girls towards science department.

In conclusion, the contributions of women and girls in science have been influential and transformative throughout history. From the pioneers of ancient Greece to the modern-day trailblazers, women have made significant advancements in various scientific disciplines. The journey has not been without challenges, but progress has been made, and ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and diversity are crucial for future developments. By embracing the talents and perspectives of women and girls in science, we can foster a more inclusive and innovative scientific community.

About the Author

I'm Ruchira Yadav from Hyderabad, Telangana. Currently pursuing Electrical electronic engineering from Bvrit Hyderabad college for engineering for Women. I have been participating in few of the essay competitions to improve my essay writing skills and deliver my thoughts in the form of words.As a STEM student this competition has been a great opportunity to live through the history of science and technology .I have gone through few of the websites to know about the great women of science.There journey have motivated me to write this essay.Thank you for giving me this opportunity.