Implemented by UN-Women in collaboration institutions and civil society partners, February 11th marks a day for celebration that aims to support women and girls in science. This day provides an opportunity for girls and women to have equal access to science and to participate in it. Twinkl is committed to the Learn. Learn. We are celebrating the Change Initiative by showcasing some of the lives and careers of inspirational women in science from around the globe.
The paths of women and girls in science, from improving health to combating global warming, have been crucial in providing a path for us to follow so we can change our world and understand the things that make it tick.
Take a look at our bios of famous female scientists from all ages to see the impact they have on science pathways.
Women are performing amazing research in scientific fields alchemy is an inexact science all over the globe at the moment to understand the world around them. We were privileged to be able to interview a few remarkable women about their careers. Look at their inspirations and stories, as well as their advice for girls who want to start their own paths into science.
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Roula Inglesi Lotz, Professor of Economics University of Pretoria, and representative of South African Young Academy of Pathways To Science.
Mary Sichangi is the Coordinator for Inter-Country Quality Node on Mathematics and Science Education of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa.
Who or what was your inspiration for your path to Pathways to science?
“Real-world phenomena piqued my curiosity and I wanted to find out more through scientific research. While I was working on my Master’s thesis about how technology can explain economic growth, South Africa suffered its first power outages in 2008/2009. I was interested to discover the economic reasons for these cuts from an economic perspective. Real-world problems became an inspiration for research opportunities. Who was the inspiration? My mentors and supervisors were the ones who first showed me it was possible and believed in me.
Discuss your career path and how it led you to where you are today. Did you encounter any surprises?
“After finishing my undergraduate education in Greece, I moved to South Africa for my Masters in Economics and Doctorate in Economics. My first year of postgraduate study was difficult because I was studying in a foreign language and had to learn a completely different educational system. Although I considered giving up several times, I was able to rely on my family and my friends (and my stubbornness) to keep me going. After my Masters I was a tutor, and academia had been my career choice.