#IDWGS Essay - The Unsung Symphony: Hoping for a Cosmic Shift for Girls in Science by Fariha Afrin

Imagine a large, silent concert hall. Instruments gather dust, and their songs go unnoticed. This is the current state of science. Outdated music veiled female leaders' silent notes of brilliance. But what if things went the other way? What if there is a galaxy nearer to us, one that is teeming with the brilliance of girls and women in science?

Science leadership is the ability and obligation to guide and influence the scientific community and society toward a common goal. It is critical for furthering scientific knowledge and innovation, as well as dealing with global challenges and possibilities like sustainability. Sustainability is defined as the ability to meet current needs without jeopardizing future generations' ability to meet their own. Sustainability involves environmental, social, and economic components, necessitating the integration and collaboration of multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

For centuries, the podium remained empty, designated for a single conductor, the "male genius." Prejudice hid Marie Curie's groundbreaking findings, and Rosalind Franklin's X-ray photograph was suppressed, overshadowing her importance. Their stories resonate with many others, yet their voices fade out under conventional expectations. But silence cannot wipe out the symphony of creativity. Today, a chorus of female voices emerges, challenging the status quo. Dr. Jane Goodall, a wild whisperer, speaks chimpanzee language and is rewriting our understanding of the natural world. Dr. Mae Jemison, a dancer amid the stars, pirouettes against gravity and conventional norms. Dr. Katalin Karikó is a composer of life's code, with her mRNA symphony silencing a global epidemic. These are only a few protagonists whose tunes create a tapestry of change.

However, the orchestra is still not complete. Empty seats ruin the stage, signifying the innumerable girls who are hesitant to pick up scientific instruments. Societal stereotypes, like discordant notes, play on their brains, discouraging them before their full potential may be realized. According to the United Nations, women and girls are underrepresented and undervalued in science leadership positions and roles, such as decision-makers, managers, mentors, and role models. Moreover, women and girls face various barriers and challenges in pursuing and achieving science leadership, such as gender stereotypes and bias, a lack of support and recognition, work-life balance issues, and limited resources and opportunities. And this is where our joint responsibilities come into focus.

We need to reestablish the score, replacing the lone genius with a diverse group. Let us honor women in science, with their accomplishments resonating in classrooms, media, and public areas. Let young girls see them reflected in the scientific landscape, their potential boosted by role models and mentors. Women and girls in science leadership can enhance sustainability by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences, addressing existing gender-specific issues and challenges, and advocating for environmental and social justice.

In addition, we must eliminate the barriers that silence their voices. Unequal access to education, unconscious bias, and a lack of female leadership contribute to a chorus of discouragement. Providing tremendous STEM education, increasing funding and scholarships for women and girls in science leadership, building mentorship programs, providing flexible work arrangements and supportive services for women and girls in science leadership, and actively recruiting diverse talent are all critical steps toward achieving a fair playing field.

Lastly, let us encourage girls to create their own scientific melodies. Encourage their curiosity, develop their critical thinking skills, and provide them with the tools and resources they need to make their aspirations a reality. Let us form communities in which people can interact, share ideas, and encourage one another on their scientific journeys.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), let us not only celebrate the present notes but also actively develop the future symphony. We can open the door to a world of extraordinary invention and progress by amplifying the voices of women and girls and giving them a forum to express their scientific genius. Remember that a diverse orchestra playing in harmony produces a masterpiece that is far better than any solo performance.

Consider a world in which diverse conductors share the podium and females stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, leading the charge toward a sustainable future. Imagine a world in which scientific development represents the whole range of human potential and the song of sustainability resonates with humanity's collective creativity. This is the new period we hope for, a world in which the underappreciated symphony of women in science finally takes center stage, its tremendous notes ringing out as a tribute to the transformational force of equality and creativity. Let the music begin!

About the Author

Fariha Afrin is not your average sophomore. This Economics student from the University of Dhaka has a passion for content writing and graphic design and enjoys exploring different genres and styles.For Fariha, writing is not just a passion; it's a mission. She has won several prizes in essay competitions and likes to incorporate real-life examples and personal experiences into her writing. She believes that writing is the best way to communicate with others and share her thoughts and ideas. She hopes to inspire and inform her readers with her engaging and informative content.This is more than just an author's biography; it's a declaration. I promise that within these words lies a universe waiting to be discovered, an Odyssey in which every reader can participate. Are you ready to dive into the story?