Where Are the Female Role Models in Science?

This paper provides an answer to the question of where our women role models in STEM are. It is clear that having role models in particular fields provides an impetus and confidence to challenge social norms that may provide normative limitations on a given social group’s academic aspirations. The underrepresentation of women in STEM is a widespread, global issue. These dynamics are clear and current in the open discourse in the Global North (GN). However, as with many post-colonial dynamics, these systemic limitations are even more pronounced in the Global South (GS), and there is little acknowledgement of the issue. Gender bias is a foundational feature of women’s invisibility in STEM fields and a primary area of normative obstruction of women’s progress. Role models can be found anywhere but female role models, especially those from GS countries, are primarily found in countries in the GN. In some countries, the percentage of female immigration has dramatically increased in the last decade. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the US, Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Portugal are among the leading destinations for female immigrants from the GS. Women teachers, who have dedicated their effort to lifting others into the understanding and practice of STEM from primary school, through secondary school, and into all levels of higher education are the frontline of STEM hegemony cycle-breakers. Women scientists who have shattered glass ceilings, survived glass cliffs, and made significant contributions on various levels serve as beacons of hope and aspiration for future generations of scientists particularly for girls and women. The state of the world requires the full use of our social capital with global warming and all that comes with diminishing resources and the need for rapid, adaptive methods and policies for a sustainable future. The presence of female role models plays a crucial role in this journey, inspiring future generations of scientists and changing limiting paradigms. While progress has been made, we must remain vigilant in addressing ongoing challenges and striving for a future where science truly reflects the diversity of the world it seeks to understand and improve. Our stories need to be told, and heard.