On the occasion of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11th February, You! shares a few inspiring stories of the modern-day superwomen of science…
Behind many breakthroughs in science, there’s often a woman who didn’t follow the rules - she rewrote them. Whether it’s in a lab here in Pakistan or a research facility halfway across the world, these women have carved their own paths in a field often dominated by men. That’s what the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated every year on February 11th, is all about - showing that curiosity and grit know no gender.
It’s about celebrating women who break the mould and redefine what it means to be a scientist. It’s a narrative of resilience, ambition, and a bit of rebellion against the “you can’t do that” chorus society often throws at women. This week, You! shares few inspiring stories of the modern-day superwomen of science - those who are proving that nothing is impossible when passion and determination come together…
In Pakistan, where cultural expectations often dictate career choices, several women have not only embraced science but also mastered it. They’ve redefined what’s possible, balancing equations, breaking biases, and proving that ambition has no gender.
Dr Nergis Mavalvala
– From Karachi to the cosmos
If there’s one name synonymous with astrophysics in Pakistan, it’s Dr Nergis Mavalvala. This Karachi-born scientist, now the Dean of Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), played a pivotal role in the ground-breaking discovery of gravitational waves. These ripples in space-time were first theorised by Einstein, but it was Dr Mavalvala’s expertise in quantum physics that helped bring them to light a century later.
But her journey wasn’t without its challenges. Growing up in Pakistan, she tinkered with broken electronics and dreamed big, despite societal norms suggesting otherwise. Her success is a personal victory and a triumph that shows girls worldwide that science is for everyone.
Dr Tasneem Zehra Husain
– The string theorist untangling the universe
Dr Tasneem Zehra Husain stands as Pakistan’s first female string theorist, breaking new ground in theoretical physics. She completed her education in Lahore and then her academic journey led her to Stockholm University, where she earned her PhD in Theoretical Physics in 2003, focusing on string theory.
Beyond her research, Dr Husain is a passionate advocate for science education in Pakistan. She has been instrumental in promoting physics among young students, developing animated presentations to make complex concepts accessible to high school audiences. Her efforts aim to inspire the next generation of Pakistani scientists, emphasising that the sky is the limit for girls in science.
Jehan Ara
- Empowering innovation
Jehan Ara is a leading advocate for women in technology and science dedicated to creating a more inclusive space in Pakistan. Her work extends beyond technology into the world of science, where her initiatives foster a culture of innovation and research that drives scientific progress in Pakistan. As the President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), she has not only catalysed the growth of the tech industry but also strengthened the collaboration between technology and scientific research. By promoting digital innovation, data analytics, and emerging technologies, she has created platforms that support scientific inquiry and experimentation. Her efforts in integrating science with technology have provided new avenues for research and development, inspiring young scientists and technologists - especially women - to pursue careers at the intersection of these fields and contribute to a knowledge-based economy.
Dr Sania Nishtar
– Mending hearts and healthcare
Dr Sania Nishtar is a prominent Pakistani cardiologist and public health expert. She founded the non-profit organisation Heartfile, which focuses on health policy advocacy and innovative health financing to improve access to healthcare in Pakistan.
Dr Nishtar has also served as a federal minister and has been instrumental in various health reforms in the country. Her work emphasises the importance of strengthening health systems and addressing the challenges faced by underserved populations.
Dr Asifa Akhtar
– Rewriting the genetic playbook
Dr Asifa Akhtar, a renowned molecular biologist is celebrated for her pioneering research in chromatin regulation and epigenetics. Her postdoctoral research at Germany’s European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Adolf Butenandt Institute focused on chromatin regulation.
Dr Akhtar became a group leader at EMBL and later joined the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, where she currently leads the Department of Chromatin Regulation. Her work primarily explores chromatin and epigenetic regulation, with a particular focus on dosage compensation in Drosophila melanogaster.
Dr Akhtar’s achievements include the Early Career European Life Science Organisation Award, the Feldberg Prize, and election to the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO). She also made history as the first female Vice President of the Biology and Medicine Section of the Max Planck Society and received the prestigious Leibniz Prize.
Zartaj Waseem
– Championing stem education
Zartaj Waseem is a prominent STEM education specialist and software engineer dedicated to transforming science education in Pakistan. She co-founded the Pakistan Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC), the nation’s first dedicated space science education initiative, aiming to inspire and educate the youth through innovative STEM programmes.
With a background in software engineering, Zartaj has been instrumental in introducing and leading various international STEM programmes in Pakistan, including the FIRST Lego League, FIRST Global, and the World Robot Olympiad. Her efforts focus on making STEM education accessible and engaging, particularly for young girls, to bridge the gender gap in these fields. Her work has gained national and international recognition for advancing STEM education and inspiring girls to pursue careers in science and technology.
The journey of women in science is one marked by both extraordinary achievements and enduring challenges. As we celebrate the accomplishments of these women, we can’t ignore the systemic barriers they have had to overcome, nor the paths they’ve forged for the next generation of female scientists.
Globally, women account for only about 30 per cent of researchers, according to UNESCO, with even fewer women in disciplines like engineering, physics, and computer science. The reasons behind this disparity are complex, rooted in societal norms that often dismiss STEM careers as ‘unsuitable’ for women. The pervasive idea that science is a male-dominated field deters young girls from pursuing these careers, and without role models to challenge that notion, it becomes difficult for them to imagine themselves in a lab or a research facility. Even when women do make it into these fields, they face an array of obstacles: gender pay gaps, limited opportunities for leadership roles, and underrepresentation in scientific committees. Add to that, limited funding, lack of infrastructure, and a general disinterest in female participation in high-level science, the challenges become almost insurmountable. It’s a tough climb, and the view from the top can seem far out of reach. Yet, against all odds, many women have defied these odds, carving out paths of success that inspire and motivate others to follow.
It’s clear that encouraging more women to enter science is about closing the gender gap as much as it’s about unlocking the full potential of science itself. The key to fostering more female scientists lies in education, mentorship, and visibility. Initiatives like Pakistan’s STEM for Girls programme are crucial in sparking interest in science from an early age. By providing hands-on learning experiences and mentorship, these programmes allow young girls to see the possibilities that lie ahead, making science not just a career choice but an exciting and empowering journey. Simultaneously, campaigns that challenge outdated gender norms are crucial in redefining what it means to be ‘scientific’ and showing young girls that their passion for discovery is just as valid as anyone else’s. Organisations like The Citizens Foundation (TCF) are also playing a vital role in making science education accessible to girls in underserved communities, proving that with the right tools, women everywhere can thrive in STEM fields. Globally, programmes like Girls Who Code and the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science initiative are creating pathways for women to enter the scientific world and excel.
But the case for more women in science goes beyond equality, it’s about improving science itself. When women bring their perspectives to the table, science becomes more holistic. They are more likely to design healthcare solutions tailored to the needs of women, or ensure that AI algorithms are free from gender biases, thus leading to outcomes that benefit everyone. For example, Dr Hadiyah-Nicole Green, an American physicist, is developing a revolutionary laser-based cancer treatment. Her work isn’t just ground-breaking because of its innovation; it’s ground-breaking because it prioritises underserved communities - an approach born from her unique perspective and empathy. This kind of representation in science results in better research and leads to better lives.
Dr Tasneem Zehra Husain has inspired countless young girls to venture into the fascinating world of physics. Through her ground-breaking work and tireless advocacy, she’s shown that representation matters. Her achievements underscore the power of diversity in science, proving that when women see themselves reflected in the field, they’re more likely to dream big and pursue their passions fearlessly.
Every girl has the potential to change the world - she just needs the opportunity.
To the young girl in her classroom who dreams of building rockets: your curiosity matters. To the teenager who sketches molecules in her notebook: your ideas have value. To the countless women who’ve been told “you can’t,” yes, you can.
Science is for everyone. And the more inclusive it becomes, the brighter our future will be.
So, here’s to the women who’ve made history - and to those who will. Let’s continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and inspire generations.
The writer is a subeditor at You! Magazine. She can be reached at wallia_khairi@hotmail.com
