Author: Trisha Gonzales
Promoting Women in STEM: Challenges and EU Initiatives Current Landscape of Women in STEM Women occupy a small fraction of higher education and professional roles in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields across the EU, with only 29% of PhD graduates in engineering, manufacturing, and construction being women. Additionally, female representation is just 25% among self-employed professionals in technical domains such as science and IT. Significantly, women are also underrepresented in the field of innovation: only 10% of patent applications are submitted by women, highlighting a concerning disparity in contributions to technological advancement. Inspirational Contributions of Women Despite these…
Menopause and Brain Health: Understanding the Connections A woman experiencing profound sadness, irritability, and memory lapses may worry about conditions like depression or even early-onset dementia. Such fears are not uncommon, as emotional and cognitive changes can surface during menopause—a biological transition affecting women typically between the ages of 45 and 55. The Transition of Menopause Menopause marks a significant shift as the ovaries cease hormone production, particularly estrogen and progesterone. While this process impacts every woman with a uterus, the intensity of symptoms varies widely. Over 80% of women undergoing menopause report neurological symptoms, which can lead to unnecessary…
Promoting Gender Equity in Science: A Global Perspective The Essence of Science Science encompasses the exploration of both natural and social phenomena, offering a systematic approach for testing hypotheses and deriving conclusions. It is fundamentally a journey aimed at unraveling the world’s complexities. However, it is vital that this journey is inclusive and equitable, particularly for women and girls who have historically been underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Addressing Gender Stereotypes In many societies, including Cambodia, entrenched gender stereotypes and biases hinder the aspirations of women and girls in scientific disciplines. These cultural obstacles…
Innovative Biomedical Solutions for Women’s Health: Insights from Prof. Dr. Inge Herrmann In celebration of International Women’s Day, we delve into the work of Prof. Dr. Inge Herrmann, a leader in the fields of engineering, material science, and healthcare innovation. Her research is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions aimed specifically at improving women’s health, including a reversible hydrogel implant designed for gynecological applications. Career Path and Motivation Prof. Dr. Herrmann’s journey into the realms of engineering and healthcare was driven by her desire to tackle challenging problems. She observed a significant lack of focus on women’s health issues…
Empowering Women and Girls Through Technology in China Published on October 15, 2025 Significant Contributions to Women’s Education and Science Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a UNESCO special envoy for the advancement of girls’ and women’s education, recently attended an exhibition in Beijing. This event, held in connection with the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, focused on showcasing China’s strides in using digital and intelligent technologies to empower women and girls. At the exhibition, Peng emphasized, “China’s push to develop digital and intelligent technologies is reshaping the lifestyles of women and girls, creating broader development…
Empowering Girls Through Education: Confronting STEM Gender Disparities In recent years, there has been significant progress in global education, with more girls accessing schooling than ever before. However, despite this advancement, many girls continue to face obstacles that hinder their educational experiences and opportunities, particularly when it comes to pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Current State of Education for Girls While enrollment rates for girls have risen, the quality of education they receive often falls short compared to their male counterparts. Biases, entrenched social norms, and expectations significantly influence both the subjects girls are encouraged to study…
Progressing Gender Equality in Technology: A Historical Perspective Early Advocacy and Action at IBM The issue of gender disparity within the fields of technology, mathematics, and science is longstanding. A pivotal moment occurred nearly a century ago when Anne Van Vechten, a female student, posed a significant question to IBM’s then-CEO, Thomas J. Watson Sr. She inquired about the lack of career opportunities for women in American companies, prompting Watson to reflect critically on this matter. In response, IBM took a notable step in 1935 by opening its training programs in Endicott, New York, to women, establishing an early precedent…
Prominent Indian Women in Science and Technology India has a rich history of pioneering women in the fields of science and technology. Their contributions have not only propelled scientific advancements but have also played a crucial role in societal growth. Below, we explore some of these remarkable women who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields. Trailblazers in Science Women scientists in India have significantly impacted various sectors, from healthcare to aerospace. Here are some notable figures: Kadambini Basu Ganguly (1861–1923) First female graduate in the British Indian Empire. Recognized as South Asia’s first female physician with Western…
Challenges to Girls’ Education Worldwide Current Landscape In recent decades, worldwide gender gaps in education have shown some improvement, particularly in terms of enrollment and attendance. However, a staggering 118.5 million girls of primary and secondary school age remain out of school, according to UNESCO’s visual education indicators tool. Notably, these figures do not account for the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Barriers to Education Despite progress, significant barriers persist. In regions like Afghanistan, restrictions have been reinstated on girls’ access to secondary and tertiary education. Poverty is a critical obstacle in many parts of the globe; in over…
Empowering Women for Sustainable Development: The UNCTAD-Thailand Initiative The partnership between UNCTAD and Thailand is paving the way for women researchers and entrepreneurs in developing countries to lead initiatives aimed at fostering greener and more inclusive economies. The core belief stemming from this collaboration is that sustainable development hinges on a strong foundation in science and technology, with women at the forefront. Capacity-Building Initiative in Bangkok A recent capacity-building exercise held from August 6 to 13, 2023, in Bangkok, brought together 17 women scientists and researchers from nine developing nations in Asia and Africa. This week-long program was designed to…