2050 celebrates: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
By Sofia Koukoura
Women and girls play a critical role in science and technology. On 22 December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly decided to establish an annual International Day to recognize this, through Resolution A/RES/70/212. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated every year since then on the 11th of February, and promotes equal access and participation of women and girls in science.
Science has a crucial part in achieving the internationally agreed UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN SDGs include -among others- gender equality, quality education, health and wellbeing, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, climate action. Most of these goals are interconnected. Gender equality is a goal, a fundamental human right and the key that unlocks the full potential of humanity. These goals can be achieved if we use all the human power we can, deploy our full potential, skills, talents and diverse experiences. Many of these skills will come from science. It’s important that these teams of scientists are complimentary, coming from different backgrounds, so that inclusive and sustainable solutions are provided. Therefore, science and gender equality are vital for improving health, environment and creating prosperous societies.
There has been progress made over the past decades in securing opportunities in women in science, however women and girls are still underrepresented. According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics’ most recent available data, less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women. These numbers vary based on different regions and other societal factors. Unfortunately, statistics show that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately squeezed women out of the workforce, as it has created an economic disaster and an unprecedented pressure on caregiving. The pandemic is consequently considered to have further widened gender disparities in science.
Regardless of the unequal participation of women in science, there are many inspiring women and girl role models across science fields. Some of them don’t need any introductions, like Marie Curie. Some of them do cool orbital mechanics and send people in space, like Katherine Johnson. Some of them are working hard right now in the forefront of the COVID-19 battle. Some of them are school teachers, encouraging young girls into STEM related subjects. And some of them are part of the 2050 Leaders Network, so I’d like to bring the spotlight to some brilliant scientists within our group. A few women in science within our network spoke about their work, the challenges they face and what they think the future trends will be.
First, I spoke to a few scientists in Malawi Leaders network. Mary Marissa Mkandawire studies environmental sciences and is also an avid volunteer in the Malawi Scotland Partnership.
Where do you work and what is your science field? How is your science related to climate change?
I am currently studying environmental sciences at Lilongwe university of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). I also volunteer with Malawi Scotland Partnership. They have a climate change program where they recruit volunteers to be change makers and I am part of the second cohort. With their help and guidance I have initiated activities within the university, such as campus cleaning. Apart from that, me and some friends came together to form a group where we can help our communities through environmentally friendly activities.
What are the current challenges/limitations of your science?
Lack of resources is the main challenge.
Linnes Chamadenga is also studying environmental sciences, while also raising awareness within her community about climate change and ways to tackle environmental disasters.
Where do you work and what is your science field? How is your science related to climate change?
As both an environmental science student and an advocate for climate change. I’m interested in understanding the effects of climate change and how to deal with the environmental changes triggered. I also help within my community in educating people about climate and how they should care of the environment. I teach them how they should adapt if they are confronted with environmental disasters.
What are the current challenges/limitations of your science? Any thoughts for the future?
Currently its the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of funds. Despite that, the future looks bright and I hope I will be able to reach out to many people.
Next, I spoke to Colette Martin, one of the 2050 Group’s operational volunteers. Colette is a scientist with a keen interest on wildlife and sustainable lifestyle. She talked about funding challenges in the conservation sector.
Where do you work and what is your science field? How is your science related to climate change? What are the current challenges/limitations of your science?
I am a Zoology student at the University of Glasgow and I am particularly interested in understanding the impacts of climate change on wildlife. Climate change has a massive impact on wildlife and this year I am investigating the effect of anthropogenic stressors on oxidative stress amphibians. Amphibians have noticeably declined rapidly and globally in the past 30 years due to human activities which have changed their habitats and climate, therefore, understanding the physical implications of these changes is important. Our diet also contributes to climate change and I work with the OneKind society to promote vegan meals and animal friendly products.
Despite the increasing global focus on climate change, it is challenging to find paid work in the conservation sector as it is extremely competitive. Also, compared to other non-profit sectors, conservation is extremely underfunded which makes it difficult for long-term conservation initiatives to be successful.
During the past month, I was lucky to work with Emma Yule, as part of the Leaders Network subgroup in 2050. Emma brings great passion and enthusiasm in everything she does, including her science. She talked about her research in atmospheric sciences. She then explained the importance of bridging gaps between disciplines- something I’m also very excited about and one of the reasons I joined 2050.
Where do you work and what is your science field? How is your science related to climate change?
I am currently a PhD candidate in environmental and atmospheric sciences at The University of Edinburgh. Prior to this I worked in the private and third sector on company efficiency and climate mitigation. My work involves analysing past extreme heat and drought events and discovering how their intensity and scope changes in a warmer world. Additionally, I am interested in how the risk associated with such events can be communicated between scientists and decision-makers in order to create successful adaptation and resilience planning.
What are the current challenges/limitations of your science?
I think a key challenge and opportunity is bridging any gaps between disciplines working on climate change. Climate change mitigation and adaptation requires a deep understanding of the science and we will need technological advances to meet the goal of net-zero by mid-century. We also need an economic analysis of the green recovery, experts in governmental and company policy, behavioural scientists, designers and architects to build green cities, artists to inspire us, citizens demanding this change and more. I think strengthening links between disciplines and making climate change mitigation and adaptation accessible to all will therefore be very important going forward.
I was happy to meet Laura Clegg, who has taken part in the YLDP in the past and is also an operational volunteer in 2050. Me and Laura share a similar background in renewable energy engineering and I echo a lot of her thoughts on limitations and future trends of renewables.
Where do you work and what is your science field? How is your science related to climate change?
I am a Renewable Energy Engineer at Black and Veatch and I provide technical support and consultancy services for renewable energy projects. For example, I am currently working on an exciting project to improve the cost of energy from a tidal device.
What are the current challenges/limitations of your science?
Working in engineering you often come up against complex challenges and have to find the best solution! Generally some of the main challenges in the renewable energy sector includes grid balancing and storage on the electrical generation side, and finding a sustainable options that can replace our current gas system on the heating side. I also think that energy reduction plays an major role in reducing emissions in the energy sector.
How do you see the future trends of your science field?
I believe that renewable energy is only going to grow in the future, with plenty of opportunities with exciting technologies such as offshore wind and hydrogen changing the energy sector at a fast pace. In the future I hope for a transition to a fully sustainable energy system independent from fossil fuels.
Finally, I would like to bring some of my personal perspective into the table. I also consider myself as a woman in science and I have been passionate about science since I was a girl. I studied mechanical engineering and moved to windy Scotland in order to pursue my love for wind turbines and a PhD in wind energy. I currently work at Scottishpower renewables, specializing in the intersection between engineering and data science. My work involves a lot of domain-informed data analysis and algorithm development for improving the operation and maintenance of renewable energy assets. Through the statistical and physical models I’m using, I detect events (such as a blade damage on a wind turbine), which can optimize maintenance decisions (when to order spare parts and when to send technicians to the turbine- a logistical challenge!). In the end, those methods can significantly reduce the cost of renewable energy by reducing the operational costs. Reducing the cost of renewable energy is important to make it more competitive with fossil fuel technology.
My career in STEM has been a beautiful journey that has taught me a lot, not only about science but also about myself and others. I have developed a lot of technical expertise in a rapidly accelerating and exciting scientific field. Science has taught me how to be rigorous, how to learn from past experiences and how to not be afraid to search for solutions that don’t yet exist. Science has taught me that there is no perfect science, that I need to be brave about my research, welcome feedback and improve. Science has taught me that it can connect people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Science has enabled me to encounter a lot of fierce and intelligent women. Women who push boundaries every day. I’m lucky to call some of these women my friends.
So let me briefly introduce you to my friends. We are a group of women scientists who come from different countries, work in different places but had our paths cross through our careers in STEM. We were all working in wind energy when we met, so inevitably we call ourselves “Windy Ladies”. We collaborate, publish papers together, support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We like communicating our science, making it accessible, going to schools to encourage younger generations into STEM. I’m happy to surround myself with women who are such an inspiration. We currently all work in the field of renewable energy and we are passionate to see the impacts of our science on climate change mitigation.
It’s important to note that, when it comes to climate change, women often face higher risks. The impacts of climate change tend to be more adverse in situations of poverty, and the majority of the world’s poor are women. Environmental degradation has also strong links with gender based violence, especially in places with increased competition over limited natural resources. Despite all that, women have still unequal participation in climate related planning.
Climate change is an emergency. We have the scientific evidence that proves we need to half emissions by 2030. We have the capital and technologies available to do so. What we don’t have yet, is effective decision making. To quote the wise words of Christiana Figueres, one of the leaders of the 2015 Paris Accord: “Educating and empowering women to come to decision-making tables is the strongest thing that we can do for the climate.” Key part of this decision making includes scientific solutions and evidence-based policy. Climate emergency needs immediate climate action and climate action needs more women in science.