International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.
Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to:
1. celebrate women's achievements
2. raise awareness about women's equality
3. lobby for accelerated gender parity fundraise for female-focused charities
Women make up more than two-thirds of the world's 750 million adults without basic literacy skills; In STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), the strongly men-dominated field, women represent less than 30% of the world’s researchers.
While a growing number of women enroll into science-based degree programmes, many opt out at higher levels, according to UNESCO. Furthermore, women who do become scientists are less likely than men to remain scientists.
However, diverse role models can empower women and girls in STEM. Role models inform, influence and inspire the decisions people make about their life and career. They are STEM superheroes protecting the planet and creating sustainable future.
Here, on the Science Island, we have a diverse group of female staff working in STEM. They are scientists, engineers and postdoctoral researchers. In this month, HFIPS releases episodes to hear voices from female colleagues to know what do they think about Women in STEM.
Let us meet Professor ZHENG Shanliang and Rida Ahmed on International Women’s Day.
Name: ZHENG Shanliang
Research Unit: Institute of Plasma Physics
Profile
I am an engineer specilised in nuclear radiation safety and fusion technology. I have been working in the field of fusion technology for nearly 20 years. I find it globally interesting. I spent over thirteen years working overseas, ten at UKAEA, UK and three at ITER. Last summer, I returned to China and started my research work at ASIPP, HFIPS.
1. What are the words coming into your mind when you think of Women in STEM?
Diligent and conscientious, collaborative and attentive. After all, nowadays any scientific work would need team working rather than solo player. I think most of women are naturally good at team working.
Frankly, I admire many predecessors and scientists for different aspects. Inspirations from them include their ever persistent passion and enthusiasm in what they do, their sharpness and openness in their communication, their dedication to pursue their career etc.
2. What inspired you to get into STEM?
When I was a child, for quite some time, I actually wanted to be a doctor because of its specific duty. My interest for science properly started from my postgraduate study when I changed my university major, microelectronics technology, to nuclear science and engineering. Curiosity was the primary driver. I love my current job because there is always something new to explore.
3. What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why?
The goal for me is that my work will be interesting, useful, making positive contributions, no matter how small, to the world and to the progress of science and technology. I find the fusion technology globally interesting. If fusion energy were realized on the earth, it would be so beneficial to all mankind! The way pursuing fusion energy has been of course bumpy, but all the milestones achieved and the spin-off technology have been already exciting.
Name: Rida Ahmed
Research Unit: Institute of Solid State Physics
Profile
I earned my PhD. at Anhui University, and then I joined the Institute of Solid-State Physics at HFIPS as a post-doctoral researcher in June of last year and so far, my experience has been quite satisfactory.
1. What are the words coming into your mind when you think of Women in STEM?
A few decades ago, it was considered a “revolution” and “modernism” when women started to step in the field of science but I believe it was and still is not only a norm but a necessity. As women have proven to be as great an asset to science as men.
2. What inspired you to get into STEM?
I was always interested in Science, but when my father taught me the concept of atom in the 5th grade it fascinated me a lot especially when he told me that energy can also be obtained from such a tiny thing. I think that was the moment when I decided to study Physics.
3. What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why?
I simply want to make a satisfactory contribution to science. I work because of the belief, that I not only need to set a good example for my daughter, but I also owe it to all the female scientists before me whose struggles and fight have opened paths for us today.
