#IDWGS Essay - Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era of Sustainability by Vickneshwari

Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era of Sustainability

In this patriarchy world, the field of science and technology has long been dominated by male figures, but the 21st century marks a notable shift. Women and girls have been neglected for centuries but world has learnt its lesson and started to give more opportunities for talents without looking at their background, race, gender and economical status. The need to emphasize talent becomes a trend because it is crucial for economy, social and political development. Therefore, the pursuit of a sustainable future, the role of women in science leadership is gaining increasing recognition. Historically underrepresented in scientific fields, women are now breaking barriers and contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable practices. This writing explores the transformative impact of women emphasizing their unique perspectives in science leadership, collaborative approaches, and the positive influence that they brought to the global sustainability agenda.

If anyone raises questions whether women are giving some impact to the science industry, the answer will be ‘yes!’. Women are making substantial strides in various scientific disciplines, leading groundbreaking research and steering initiatives that address the pressing challenges of our time. One of the most prominent areas where their influence is felt is in the realm of sustainability. This happens because of their unique perspectives. As we know, women are multitaskers, they can be a daughter, wife and a mother. A housewife can complete house chores in a very short period while covering laundries, cooking, babysitting, transportation and etc. The same skills are implemented in the science field. They bring distinctive perspectives to scientific leadership and enriching the decision-making process. For example, Buxton (2023) highlighted that Dr. Jane Goodall, a woman primatology, breaks the perspective that only human can handle tools. She proved that animals can use tools as well through her research. This indicates that women are basically problem solver and innovative as they always find solutions for their daily life problems and chores. Monir (2021) also mentioned that that diverse teams, inclusive of women, tend to generate more innovative solutions, crucial for tackling complex global issues. Therefore, it was proven women’s special perspective does give impact in the science world.

Furthermore, women leaders in science often exhibit collaborative leadership styles, promoting teamwork and inclusivity. This cooperative approach is essential for addressing the interconnected aspects of sustainability. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, women scientists contribute to the development of integrated solutions that consider ecological, economic, and social implications, fostering a more resilient and sustainable future. Women employees also felt safe and comfortable with women leaders as it can avoid sexual harassment, flirting and preventing male dominance. This friendly environment will lead to productive working environment. Thus, the women leadership and collaboration has been highlighted in the private and government sectors as well. Huzaifa (2023) stressed that women leadership is not a joke but crucial and women are able to lead a team better that a male figurine. Hence, women leadership and collaboration are needed in sustainable practices.

Last but not least, women have a large impact in science leadership. Women in science leadership serve as role models for aspiring young scientists, challenging traditional gender norms and inspiring future generations. By showcasing successful women in STEM, we can dismantle stereotypes and encourage more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This not only benefits individual women but contributes to a more diverse and innovative scientific community. Highlighting specific examples of women leaders in science who have made significant contributions to sustainability can illustrate the real-world impact of their work. From climate scientists to renewable energy experts, these women demonstrate the transformative power of inclusive leadership in shaping a sustainable future. As an example, there can be a conference held where all women leaders will gather and share their experience to create more women leaders in the science industry. Mass media also can play a vital role in promoting contributions of women leaders such as Rosalin Franklin, Lise Meitner, Dorothy Hodgkin and etc. Mass media should not only focus on male leaders but they should emphasize women more. This is known as ‘halo effect’ where if one women leader is born, it can create another women leader.

In conclusion, the era of women in science leadership signifies a positive shift toward a more sustainable and equitable world. Their unique perspectives, collaborative approaches, and commitment to addressing gender disparities in STEM fields contribute to the development of innovative and comprehensive solutions. As we celebrate the accomplishments of women in science, it is essential to continue fostering an inclusive environment that empowers and encourages future generations of female scientists to shape the future of sustainability. Women and girls are a promise for the science world as their creativity, flexibility and other good qualities will lead to a favorable development and future success of science. We will see the complete shift one day when there will be no label as a ‘female leader’ but ‘just leaders’.

References
Buxton, A. (2023). 6 Female Scientists Making the World More Sustainable. Retrieved from Green Queen: https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/female-scientists/
Huzaifa. (2023). They Are Not Just Jokes. Internation on Women Empowerment, 48-52.
Monir. (2021). Women and Development in the 21st Century. Kuala Lumpur: UIM Press.

About the Author

My name is Vickneshwari D/O Gopalan. I'm from Malaysia. I am currently working in SJKT Sarswathy as a Science teacher. I have been inspired by women scientists and also achievements by them in this new era. I hope I can inspire my students as well to achieve more in science without gender bias.