#IDWGS Essay: WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE LEADERSHIP , A NEW ERA FOR SUSTAINBILITY by MANGALARUBINI A/P LINGAMANI

Women leadership in science serve as role models and mentors, inspiring and give powering to other women and girls in to pursue careers. As a woman in science, I can whole-heartedly embrace the statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “To rise to the challenges of the 21st century, we need to harness our full potential. That requires dismantling gender stereotypes. On this day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s pledge to end the gender imbalance in science.”

What does Women and Girls in Science have to do with leadership?’ For me, being a woman in science includes leading a research group. And that means I reflect on what ‘kind’ of leader I want to be ( indented). I regularly attend events on gender equity, and I am well aware of the statistics on the underrepresentation of women in STEM, both in academia and industry. While these facts and numbers are important, this article is not so much about gender equity per se or the barriers that women in STEM face.

This is also trained women on how to be more assertive, more confident, even more aggressive. While there is nothing wrong with these characteristics, if one is not self-aware, it can also come with a hint of arrogance or even ruthlessness (perceived or real). In my experience, many leaders that act arrogant, aggressive or ruthless are not held accountable for it, even if their behavior results in an unsupportive work environment or worse, a workplace that tolerates bullying. For examples , this is where my focus on kindness keeps me accountable. My yoga practice teaches me to be kind and compassionate, and it encourages me to be self-aware; both on and off the yoga mat. As a woman in science and as a research group leader, I want to challenge how we define leadership. I aspire to be a group leader that is assertive and confident, while at the same time is empathetic and kind. Maybe that helps, even in a small way, to show the next generation of young women in Science that you don’t have to conform to male stereotypes of leadership to be a successful woman in science.

Although Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields are widely regarded as critical to national economies, so far most countries, no matter their level of development, have not achieved gender equality in STEM.That means getting more women working in these fields. Diversity in research expands the pool of talented researchers, bringing in fresh perspectives, talent and creativity. This Day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened. Tackling some of the greatest challenges of the Agenda for Sustainable Development - from improving health to combating climate change - will rely on harnessing all talent.

Objectives of Women and Girls in Science include are promoting Gender Equality. The day emphasizes the importance of achieving gender equality in STEM disciplines, encouraging equal opportunities for women and girls in scientific education and careers. Other than this, Highlighting Achievements it celebrates the accomplishments and innovations of women scientists, showcasing their contributions to research, technology, and scientific advancements. Inspiring Future Generations for International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves as an inspiration for young girls and students to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields, challenging stereotypes and biases. Finaly ,advocating for Inclusion that the day calls for greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes and leadership roles within the scientific community.

Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development. Women accounted for one in three (33%) researchers in 2018. They have achieved parity (in numbers) in life sciences in many countries and even dominate this field, in some cases. However, women remain a minority in digital information technology, computing, physics, mathematics and engineering. These are the fields that are driving the digital revolution and so, many of the jobs of tomorrow.

However , women play an important role in a lot of spheres in the contemporary society. They make great contribution to the development and improvement of life in a lot of spheres. Unfortunately, science and technology are the spheres where women do not have equal possibilities with men. There are a lot of possible explanations of this inequality, but gender bios, prejudices and unequal distribution of resources are among the main ones. Gender inequality in STI is more common in the developing countries. There are different ways to deal with the problem. Proper monitoring, proper informing and creating necessary work conditions should improve the situation in this field. Gender equality and normal work conditions for both, men and women are the characteristics of any normal society and it is necessary to pay attention to the problem of gender inequality in science and technology because this can be beneficial for the development of these spheres. Women should be encouraged to bring their vision and leadership, knowledge and skills, views and aspirations into the development agenda from the grassroots to international levels. Science and technology brings economic growth and well-being to people and it is not only the empowerment of women through science and technology, but also the enrichment of science and technology through women‘s participation.

When girls and women believe they have a fixed amount of intelligence, they are more likely to lose confidence and disengage from science and engineering when they inevitably encounter difficulties in their course work.

About the Author

My name is Mangalarubini D/O Lingamani.  I am a studying at SJKT Saraswathy Tamil School. Everyone can agree that I am a good student and that I like to study. I enjoy my time at school is really nice to study, the students are very friendly and ready to help. The atmosphere cannot but make me want to go there every time. I believe that it is manifesting day by day and I feel even more responsibility for what I do and where I go. With all I already have, I know that I’m on the right path and I will do my best to inspire others to live the way they feel like living as well.