The Girls in SciTech campaign kicked off with a powerful launch event that united highschool girls, Uni.lu alumni and experts in the industry, associative and political sectors.
Coordinated by Serge Haan, the event shone a spotlight on the critical underrepresentation of women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), aiming for a constructive objective. Powerful talks from inspiring role models not only explored the challenges and opportunities that girls face in these fields, but also sparked important questions and prompted collaborative thoughts on potential solutions. The question that occupied many minds was: How can we inspire more girls to pursue STEM studies, and pursue their careers in these fields?
Girls in SciTech: a crucial event to empower girls in STEM
In 2022, 41% of all scientists and engineers in the European Union were women (Eurostat). Although these figures show a slight increase compared to 2020, women remain a minority in these fields. These statistics underscore the importance of jointly empowering girls and women, and provide them with role models to inspire them. This is precisely the aim of this campaign, which has been in the making for numerous months. As Philippe Hiligsmann, Vice-rector for academic and student affairs, puts it, “This is more than an event; it is a movement to change things by motivating and inspiring girls to pursue a career in science.”
The initiative brought together young girls from several high schools in Luxembourg, teachers, and professionals from various sectors. To inspire all attendees, several prominent role models were present, including:
- Hania Tayara, Programme Leader at Native Scientists
- Marie-Alix Dalle, Environmental Engineer at ArcelorMittal
- Frank Eyschen, Director at Lycée des Garçons Luxembourg
- Prof. Serge Haan, Full Professor in Biological Chemistry
- Laurence Lampecco, Analyst Developer at POST Luxembourg
- Prof. Skerdilajda Zanaj, Full Professor in Economics
- Marie-Louise Uwizeye, Chargée d’études at Administration de la gestion de l’eau
- Monika Zlopasa, Investment Fund Risk Manager, UBS Luxembourg
‟ It is about transforming our society by empowering women in STEM fields. The unique perspectives and ideas they bring to the field enhance problem-solving and spark innovation.”
Minister for Research and Higher Education
In addition, the event featured booths hosted by various organisations and companies dedicated to promoting the inclusion of women in STEM. heir presence underscored the collective effort to create a more inclusive environment, and they provided valuable resources networking opportunities.
Exploring the reasons behind the gender gap in STEM
The first step toward finding solutions is understanding the underlying factors behind the problem. The panel discussion highlighted several key challenges that women face when it comes to science. Among these factors were stereotypes, a lack of self-confidence, limited access to information and the absence of well-established role models. After high school, many girls choose fields based on their parents’ expectations or their own perceived limitations. The absence of concrete information about the wide range of professional opportunities in science also plays a crucial role in their study choices.
“Women often fear that choosing science means being pigeonholed into one narrow field,” explains Marie-Alix Dalle, Uni.lu alumna and Environmental Engineer at ArcelorMittal. “But that’s simply not true. Science is incredibly broad, with a wide range of opportunities. If you keep your curiosity and passion alive, you’ll be able to explore a variety of paths!”
Additionally, when it comes to starting families, women encounter important inequalities as well. “I had to wait to have children because, otherwise, I would have had to leave the lab,” shares Marie-Louise Uwizeye, water management engineer. The lab environment can pose risks during pregnancy. While men are able to continue their work uninterrupted, women often face the difficult choice of temporarily stepping away from their careers. However, the panel discussion also demonstrated that, even if it may be more challenging, it is still possible for women to pursue careers in STEM as mothers, advance in their professions, and successfully overcome these challenges.
‟ If you really want to do it, you can. I am a mother of 3 children, I have a PhD and am working full time. Don’t excuse yourself, you have the right to have children and to build your career in science!”
Chargée d’études, Administration de la gestion de l’eau
Finally, many panelists illustrated the challenges of working in male-dominated fields. This can sometimes discourage women from pursuing studies or careers in science. Marie-Louise, for instance, shared, “Engineering is male-dominated. Often, I am the only woman in the room. Of course, you get used to it, but it’s still challenging to navigate daily life in an environment where you’re frequently the minority.” Increasing the number of women in STEM sectors would thus not only inspire future generations of girls to pursue these studies, it would also benefit and motivate those already working in these fields, contributing to better retention of women.
Girls do have their place in science—but how do we get there?
All the panelists emphasised the importance of addressing inequalities in access to science and expressed their commitment to this cause. Their efforts go beyond achieving a 50/50 gender balance in the scientific community; they recognise that diversity in science leads to better outcomes and more impactful research. To reach this goal, a range of solutions were discussed, not only aimed at encouraging girls to pursue studies in STEM, but also at retaining them within the sector and support their integration into the workforce.
Among these initiatives, Marie-Alix Dalle highlighted the crucial role that teachers play. “Even now, I remember a teacher who sparked my interest in science. He believed in me when I didn’t, and helped me unlock my potential,” she shared. “He is the one who motivated me to join a renowned science school, even though my grades were low at the time.”
On a similar note, participants also discussed the importance of providing girls with role models and mentorship. On this topic, Yuriko Backes, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, adds “When young girls see women excelling in STEM fields, it serves as an inspiration. It shows them, that they too, can achieve success in these areas.” However, this alone is not enough to drive long-term change. As Hania Tayara, Programme Leader at Native Scientists, emphasised in her keynote, it’s also crucial to engage the science community in addressing this issue. Involving them could make a significant difference in the way professional paths in STEM are perceived.
‟ Today, a lot of stereotypes come directly from the science community itself. They can play a key role in communication and shifting mindsets.”
Programme Leader, Native Scientists
In the end, the discussion illustrated that it’s never too late. Women can start their careers in one field and later transition into science. Laurence Lampecco’s experience exemplifies this. “At first, I decided to pursue studies to work in Human Resources. During my job, I interviewed many IT professionals.”, she explains. “I found their work so interesting that I decided to take the risk and switch!”. When women are provided with the needed information, they can make their own choice. These are not based on societal expectations anymore, but on their own beliefs and aspirations.
‟ When young girls see women excelling in STEM fields, it serves as an inspiration. It shows them, that they too, can achieve success in these areas.”
Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity
What’s next?
The Girls in SciTech event has proven to be a crucial step in addressing the gender imbalance in STEM fields. As we work toward increasing female participation in these fields, it’s important to recognise that this change requires collective action from both women and men. Each person has a role to play in challenging stereotypes, changing mindsets, and creating a more inclusive environment where everyone can succeed, regardless of their gender.
Moving forward, the responsibility lies with both the science community and society at large to break the barriers for women in STEM. Initiatives like Girls in SciTech are an essential part of this effort, but we must continue to advocate for change, inspire the next generation, and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to pursue her dreams in STEM. The journey is just beginning, and with sustained commitment and collaboration, we can build a future where girls in science are not the exception, but the norm.
As part of the Girls in Scitech campaign, each month, a new testimonial video of our panelists will be released. Follow the initiative to learn more about their inspiring stories, and together, let’s motivate more girls to get into STEM!