Gaming Development

Empowering women and girls in STEM:

In the broad realms of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the brilliance and untapped potential of women and girls stands as a glaring oversight. Despite strides toward equality, the landscape remains uneven, marked by persistent gender disparities in participation, advancement, and recognition. In an age filled with complexities, the call to fully embrace, empower and uplift women and girls in STEM resonates more than ever, highlighting the urgency for inclusive engagement and transformative action.

The current landscape and overcoming stereotypes

Diellza opened the meeting with a reflective observation that struck everyone present. She shared her initial confusion and dismay when she realized that the fundamental theories and principles underpinning the vast world of science, from the Pythagorean theorem to Newton’s laws, bore exclusively male names. This realization led her on a path of inquiry, seeking to understand why women, despite their talents and ambitions, seemed conspicuously absent from the historical narrative of scientific achievement. Her research revealed a depressing truth: from the beginning of their academic and professional journeys, women have been systematically undervalued and marginalized. This bias, deeply embedded in the fabric of society, appears not only in the annals of history, but continues to permeate contemporary educational and professional environments.

Diellza emphasized that starting today, each of us has the power to bring about changes. She advocated for strengthening our community through networking, mentoring and training, highlighting these as key strategies for overcoming entrenched stereotypes and building a stronger support system among women in STEM. By helping each other, we can strengthen our strength and resilience in the face of these challenges.

It also highlighted the gendered questions women often face during job interviews – questions about marital status, family planning and other personal decisions unrelated to their professional skills and ambitions. These intrusive questions are emblematic of broader societal biases that still question a woman’s commitment to her career based on outdated stereotypes.

International Day of Women and Girls in STEM stands as a testament to the resilience, potential and brilliance of women and girls in this field. Diellza Malazogu’s reflections and call to action underline the importance of solidarity, support and systematic change in overcoming the gender gap.