Decode your way into STEM

Women and girls studying and working in male-dominated fields face all types of barriers to entry. We talked to four young women working and studying in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to get their insider advice to young girls interested in pursuing careers in STEM.

Across Europe and Central Asia, more and more girls in high schools and universities are studying STEM fields. Empowering them to follow their interests in fields of study that have historically been denied to them is crucial to addressing gender inequality and building a more equitable future. 
 

Anisa is a 21-year-old student from Albania studying Computer Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Tirana. She has three tips for girls who want to pursue an interest in STEM fields based on her own experience.

Tip 1: Be confident in yourself

Confidence is crucial; it permeates every aspect of life, especially in STEM. When you believe in your abilities and how far you can go, others will start to recognize your potential. My journey into engineering has taught me this invaluable lesson. Initially, I struggled with self-esteem because engineering was unfamiliar territory, and my lack of prior knowledge and experience made me apprehensive. However, as I immersed myself in the field, acquiring technical knowledge and honing my problem-solving skills, my confidence grew. Believing in myself empowered me and encouraged those around me to view me as capable and competent. Confidence isn't about having all the answers or solving every problem perfectly; it's about facing challenges head-on with the belief that you can overcome them.

Tip 2: Stay curious and keep learning

STEM fields are expansive and ever-changing, offering endless opportunities for exploration and growth. In my early engineering career, I attended web development workshops that initially piqued my interest in programming. As I delved deeper and remained curious across different STEM disciplines, I discovered a passion for networking and transitioned into a role as an IT Linux Technician. Recently, with the increasing prominence of AI, my curiosity has led me to develop an interest in AI and machine learning. Engineering is a journey of self-discovery; by embracing curiosity and exploring various paths within the field, you can uncover new passions and continuously evolve professionally.

Tip 3: Bridge theory with practical experience

In STEM, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application is crucial for achieving mastery. When I start learning a new programming language, I go beyond comprehending the logic of exercises or functions—I make it a point to tackle them independently, familiarizing myself with syntax. This hands-on approach not only solidifies my understanding but also illuminates subtleties that theoretical study alone might overlook. By actively engaging in practical projects, you deepen your comprehension and cultivate indispensable problem-solving skills vital for thriving in STEM disciplines.

Shakhzoda is a 20-years-old student studying computer science and engineering at Amity University, in Uzbekistan. Based on her life experience, she shares two tips to get girls started in a STEM field:

Tip 4: Find your support network

In our society, stereotypes persist suggesting that the STEM field is not suitable for girls. They are often advised to choose "more appropriate" fields of humanities like philology, or psychology. However, I strongly believe that every girl should have the freedom to make independent choices without fear of judgment. Coming from a medical family, I realized early on that becoming a doctor was not my calling. Initially I wanted to study economics at Amity University in Tashkent, but I had the chance during our first year of international foundation studies to explore different fields.

It was during this time that my math professor, Mohit Bhandwal, recognized my dedication and suggested I consider Computer Science and Engineering, a program that encompasses both information technology and engineering courses. Professor Mohit became a guiding light in my career path.

Thankfully, I encountered no opposition; my progressive family and relatives fully supported my decision to pursue STEM. Although my grandmothers occasionally suggest I would make a good doctor, my passion for my chosen field only grows stronger every day.

Tip 5: Work on your hard skills

Hard skills are crucial in the STEM field, so I would advise all girls to prioritize their development. It's important to grasp the basics thoroughly to understand the details, and to always remain open to acquiring knowledge. Additionally, I encourage girls to be proactive by participating in various contests and programs such as the global competition Technovation Girls, where they can apply their skills in real-life scenarios.
 

Maria is a 19-year-old student from Romania, she studies law at the University of Lausanne. Her tip for girls interested in STEM is:

Tip 6: Step out of your comfort zone

Whenever I feel lost or unsure of the direction my life is taking, I seek out projects that challenge me and lie outside my usual areas of interest. This approach led me to contribute to a research paper, learn video editing, and even build an app with no prior experience. It's never too late to discover new aspects of yourself. Embrace the challenge!
 

Oana is a 19-year-old student from Romania studying philosophy at the University of Bucharest. Her tips for girls interested in STEM is:

Tip 7: Analyse the actual needs of the community before starting a project

When creating a debate club, a mentorship program or a Science, Education and Technology Festival, the most time-consuming, yet important step is analysing what the community lacked. This way, not only is the audience more receptive towards our projects, but it is much easier for us to receive support from other organisations.

Tip 8: You can never learn too much

Education is essential for our progress. Whether talking about the sometimes seemingly useless formal steps, the tempting yet occasionally inaccessible non-formal learning opportunities or the often-overlooked informal education, one can learn something from every single experience. Whether at the moment we do not see the importance of learning, for example, the international relations between countries in the 1700s, or the necessity of knowing the derivatives in Maths, every piece of information improves our overall knowledge about our world and, most importantly, shapes a way of thinking, analysing and solving problems which later proves essential in critical situations. Therefore, I consider that every experience is one we can extract something from and, from this point on, the path towards our desired future might seem much more entertaining!