Women in Science: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
Over the past decades, the global community has made a lot of effort to inspire and engage women and girls at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. To celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024, join us on an inspiring journey as we spotlight the stories and breakthroughs of young female scientists within the vibrant community of the World Food Forum (WFF) Young Scientists Group, celebrating their unwavering commitment to shaping the future of science.
What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and how was your journey in the STEM landscape?
Ana Luiza:
Mine is a story of dedication and exploration, defined by a strong belief in the power of science to make a difference. As an undergraduate student, I got involved in my first research project, assessing the nutritional status of indigenous populations in Brazil. Throughout the years, I began to see the impact of my work and how it could help to improve people's lives. That experience inspired me to pursue a career as a scientist. I completed my undergraduate, master's degree, and doctoral studies in nutrition, and my journey has been marked by curiosity, partnership, and a lot of creativity to overcome the limited financial resources in scientific research.
Ebba:
I have always loved learning and understanding how things work (the ‘why’) – and growing up I was privileged to be part of an education system, which gave students the opportunity to explore many subjects in-depth, both related to natural and social sciences. Furthermore, especially within the natural sciences field, I had excellent teachers who were able to break down complex topics, making them accessible and easy to grasp. When deciding what to study for my undergraduate degree, I decided to choose a subject within the STEM field – biotechnology. Since then, my research interests and approach have become more interdisciplinary (sitting at the interface of social and natural sciences), but I have absolutely no regrets about undertaking a STEM-degree and would make the same choice again. It really taught me how to understand and think critically about the forces and interactions in the natural world that lay the groundwork for the social world.
Isnawati:
In the heart of a small Indonesian town, named Salatiga (Central Java, Indonesia), as a first-generation university graduate in my family, I had one dream since my girlhood—to "bring science to heal the world."
Now, as a young mother, I strive to embody for my daughter the resilience and strength of women pursuing their dreams, particularly in the realm of science. I was fortunate to have two extraordinary PhD supervisors, both respected women scientists in their field. Their stories inspired my early career and gave me confidence.
As a scientist I work at the intersection of economic development and public health, and as a lecturer at the Universitas Negeri Malang (Indonesia) and the founder of the ROTASI Institute (Institute for Rural Development and Sustainability), I am not just building a career, I want to make a positive impact.
Why do you believe diversity, particularly gender diversity, is important in STEM fields?
Ana Luiza:
Gender diversity has many advantages, including gaining unique insights into research questions. However, to positively impact society, it is crucial to increase participation in leadership roles and close the gender gap. The lack of women in leadership positions can lead to a less compassionate perspective on issues, such as the impact of having a child on a woman's career. This resonates with me as a new mother, considering the challenges I may face in reaching my dream career position.
Ebba:
I believe that diversity – and particularly gender diversity – is crucial not only in STEM fields but in all fields. My experience in STEM at the undergraduate level may have been rather different from that of persons in heavily male-dominated fields, and I am grateful to have been part of an undergraduate cohort at the University of Edinburgh, where I was surrounded by many talented and motivated peers with an equal balance of genders. Intersectional perspectives from all genders should be encouraged, as they bring new ideas and understandings of complex issues to light. It makes educational and professional experiences much more enjoyable and plays a pivotal role in encouraging people of various backgrounds to seek out roles in science.
Isnawati:
Despite some social perceptions that a woman's role is to take care of her home and family, I am fortunate to have a partner who supports me by contributing to taking care of our family. Embarking on the scientific journey as a woman comes with its unique challenges. Gender stereotypes and cultural expectations can come in the way of a woman’s educational and career aspirations. Recognition and advancement can be a strenuous uphill battle sometimes.
However, amid these challenges, I believe women can transform the narrative into a story of resilience and determination. I really hope what we do today can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future, where women in science can thrive and contribute significantly to the scientific community.
How does your work align with the objectives and mission of the WFF, especially in addressing global food and agricultural challenges?
Ana Luiza:
As a researcher at the National Institute of Science and Technology on Fighting Hunger in Brazil, my work involves investigating the impact of Brazil's food systems on the global” pandemic” of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change. Through this research, I aim to contribute to national and international discussions on creating sustainable and equitable food systems aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. I feel lucky to be part of a team of extraordinary young scientists dedicated to making a positive difference.
Ebba:
My current PhD course focuses on elements associated with sustainability and knowledge management related to the viticultural sector in the United Kingdom. As a recently established but rapidly expanding agricultural sector in the country, it is crucial that it develops in a way that is sustainable from a multi-dimensional perspective avoiding lock-ins. Prior to this, I was based at the Stockholm Environment Institute, focusing on understanding how consumers make food choices using sustainability-oriented information. These experiences have allowed me to interact with industry to a great degree – and have really highlighted how important it is that we understand the challenges and decisions agrifood producers and consumers face every day. It is the mission of the WFF to support the transformation of our agrifood systems; this understanding is key to the successful development of contextually fit solutions.
Isnawati:
In recent years, my colleagues and I have dedicated ourselves to advancing local food security through a circular economy approach. Currently, my work focus is on identifying and addressing poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition in Indonesia. Leveraging statistical methods from my economics background and drawing upon my knowledge in medical and public health. I also do research as a PhD student. In this programme, we aspire to make meaningful contributions to the broader goal of advancing sustainable solutions for both food security and public health.
Furthermore, together with my husband, we work on soils and One Health guided by our vision for "better soil, better food, a healthy body, and a happy life." Emphasizing the pivotal role of sustainable agricultural practices, we aim to enhance food security, mitigate malnutrition, and improve overall well-being.
In a country like Indonesia, where a substantial portion of the population relies on agriculture, the adoption of sustainable practices in this sector becomes paramount for fostering the overall well-being of the community. The work we have undertaken aligns seamlessly with the mission of the World Food Forum, reinforcing our commitment to creating a world where everyone has equal access to healthy food and nutritious diets that are produced with an environmentally friendly approach.
As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024, what message would you like to share with the global community, particularly with young women aspiring to enter STEM fields?
Ana Luiza:
Believe in your abilities, nurture your curiosity, and remain open to learning from diverse areas and viewpoints. My son is one year old, and I am more capable of managing my career and personal life today because of the many women scientists who broke down barriers before me. However, we still have a lot to fight for when it comes to being a woman, a mother, and a scientist. My advice is to honor those who came before you, learn from them, advocate for a better environment, and always support the next generations.
Ebba:
The messages I would like to share are – firstly, work hard because hard work creates the conditions for opportunities, and secondly, that things take time. Conducting science is not always easy and it is a process, but putting in effort does pay off. I think we need to remind ourselves that no professional journey is straightforward, and everyone faces setbacks, so learn from both your failures and successes.
Isnawati:
Commencing my scientific journey while being a mom has brought forth its challenges, especially for mothers with young children, like me. Navigating this new phase in my early career as a scientist has proven to be both demanding and rewarding. In the face of these challenges, I firmly believe in the strength of resilience. Every baby step, no matter how seemingly insignificant, shapes this journey. A journey of breaking barriers and defying norms—a tale of being both a dedicated scientist and a caring mom. Overcoming challenges isn't something I do alone. It's about all of us working together to change cultural norms, promote equality, and create environments that support and celebrate women in science.
Together, we're not just redefining what it means to be a woman scientist; we're also creating a story that inspires generations to dream big and keep going, no matter what.
To learn more about the activities of WFF Young Scientists Group here.