#IDWGS Essay: International Day Of Women And Girls In Science by Lucia Ntimba

In STEM fields , men and boys often receive more credit and recognition than woman and girls.This creates a fake perception that men are naturally better than women,which is false.Let us take a peak into this topic with this essay.

Firstly, there is pervasive yet unfair belief thst men and boys are capable than women and girls when it comes to STEM fields .This belief is especially prevalent in rural areas, where traditional gender roles are more deeply ingrained .However,it is important to note thst this belief is not universal and there are many South Africans who recognise the value of gender equality in STEM, just like me.

The reason I want to see more girls and women pursuing STEM fields is because gender equality in these fields is essential for the advancement of society as a whole.When only half of the population is encouraged to pursue STEM , we are missing out on the potential contributions of the other half .Women have just as much to offer in STEM as men do and when we exclude them in these fields , we are limiting our capacity for innovation and progress.

Additionally,when women are excluded from STEM , they are denied opportunities for economic advancement and personal fulfillment .It is not only a matter of social justice , but also of economic and scientific necessity to promote gender equality in STEM.When women are able to participate equally in these fields , we will see an increase in scientific breakthroughs and economic growth.

It is not enough to simply open the door to women in STEM, we must actively work to break down the barriers thst have kept them out for so long.This includes addressing the cultural and societful norms thst discourage women from studying these fields,as well asproviding the necessary resources and support to help them succeed.

There is no doubt that the current power structure in STEM fields favors men. However, it is time to acknowledge that this structure is based on outdated and harmful notions of gender roles. It is not productive or fair to continue to perpetuate these ideas, and it is time to move past them and embrace a more equitable future. While it may be uncomfortable for some to give up the power they currently hold, it is necessary for the advancement of society as a whole. We cannot allow our emotions and feelings of entitlement to stand in the way of progress.


We must also acknowledge that, in many cases, men have benefitted from the systemic exclusion of women from STEM fields. They have been able to occupy positions of power and authority without competition from women. This has led to a lack of diversity in STEM, and has prevented new perspectives and ideas from being introduced. It is not enough to simply allow women to enter STEM fields , we must actively work to create an environment where they are able to thrive and make meaningful contributions. This will require a shift in mindset and culture, but it is a necessary step if we want to move forward as a society .

In order to achieve gender equality in STEM, we need to start by creating a more supportive and welcoming environment for women. This means addressing the unconscious biases that are present in STEM fields, and working to change the way we think about gender roles. We also need to provide women with the resources and support they need to be successful, including mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to funding. Finally, we need to hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions and words, and make sure that everyone feels safe and valued in STEM spaces.

In addition to these measures, we also need to address the systemic barriers that prevent women from entering STEM fields in the first place. This includes addressing the gender pay gap, ensuring that childcare and family leave policies are fair and equitable, and providing access to quality STEM education for all students. We also need to work to increase representation

of women in STEM at all levels, from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Only by addressing all of these issues can we hope to achieve gender equality in STEM.

Another important step towards achieving gender equality in STEM is increasing the visibility of women in STEM. This can be done through highlighting the achievements of women in STEM, sharing their stories and experiences, and creating role models for girls and young women who are interested in STEM. Additionally, we need to encourage and celebrate the successes of women in STEM, and make sure that they are given the recognition they deserve. By increasing the visibility of women in STEM, we can inspire the next generation of girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM.

In conclusion, gender equality in STEM is a complex and multifaceted issue. However, by addressing the issues we have discussed, we can make real progress towards a more equitable future. It is not enough to simply hope for change we need to actively work towards it. Let us all join forces and use our unique perspectives and experiences to create a better world for everyone, regardless of gender. Together, we can make a difference.

About the Author

I am Lucia Ntimba , a 14 year old student living in Kempton Park , South Africa .I was born and raised in Tsakane, a local township in Ekurhuleni and recently moved to Kempton Park.I am currently in grade 10 at Spartan High School and has already received so many academic certificates. I recently won 1st position in the Essay Writing Competition on Republic Day hosted by the ip4kids in the school category .I am a passionate about learning and achieving my goals ,and I have high hopes for my future.