Written by Daniel O’Hara, Director of Lab Design at Koda & Kidzink
Every year, International Women in STEM Day highlights the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while also recognising the challenges they continue to face. Over the past few decades, women have made significant progress in STEM, now making up 33% of researchers worldwide and 48% of the workforce in the United States (UN, 2023). Women are also earning more STEM degrees than ever before, with 42.5% of mathematics and statistics degrees and nearly 60% of biology degrees now awarded to women (Catalyst, 2019).
However, despite these academic strides, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers, holding just 21% of STEM jobs. The disparity is particularly evident in engineering (28%) and computer science (40%)—fields that play a crucial role in shaping technological and infrastructural advancements (UN, 2023). The "leaky pipeline" phenomenon also persists, with women leaving STEM careers at significantly higher rates than men (Glass et al., 2013). At the leadership level, the gap is even wider, with women holding just 16% of corporate board memberships in STEM-related industries (Catalyst, 2019).
This imbalance has far-reaching consequences. When women are not part of the conversation, their perspectives and insights are missing from critical developments in medicine, AI ethics, sustainability, and more. Ensuring greater representation in STEM is not just about fairness—it’s about making sure the brightest minds, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to shape the future of science and technology.
A Future Scientist’s Perspective: Meet Anya
While statistics help illustrate the gender gap in STEM, the experiences of young women navigating the field provide a deeper understanding of both the challenges and opportunities.
One such young woman is Anya Zaveri, an ambitious IB student preparing for her final Year 13 exams, including Biology, Chemistry, Application and Interpretation (AI) Maths, and Psychology. With aspirations to study neuroscience in the United States, she represents the next generation of women pushing boundaries in STEM.
I have had the privilege of teaching Anya and witnessing her curiosity for science grow over the years. She is the type of student who doesn’t just memorise facts—she asks why they work, how they apply to the real world, and what new discoveries could be made.
I recently sat down with her to discuss her journey in STEM, her love for science, and what she hopes for the future of women in the field.
A Conversation with Anya
Q: Do you remember when you first became interested in science?
"I think my interest in science was always there—I could never accept “just because” as an answer. If I had to pick a defining moment, it would probably be when my grandfather suffered a spinal cord injury. Seeing how a single injury could change everything made me realise how little we actually know about the brain and nervous system. That curiosity stuck with me, and now I’m deep into neuroscience, trying to understand how the brain works and, hopefully, how to help people in the future."
Q: Was there a specific lesson, experiment, or project in school that made you think, ‘This is what I want to do’?
"There have been a few, but one that really solidified it for me was my research on hormone regulation in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It was the first time I truly understood how intricate and interconnected the human body is—how a single imbalance can create a domino effect across multiple systems. I loved the process, where I was reading papers, analysing data, and trying to investigate many unanswered questions. Publishing my research is still one of my proudest achievements. That feeling of uncovering something new, even in a small way, made me think: ‘This is what I want to do’."
Q: What has helped you stay confident in your abilities?
"Honestly, just showing up and doing the work. Surrounding myself with people who push me—not just encourage me—has been key. Growth happens when you're slightly uncomfortable. The deeper I get into research, the more I realise that even the experts don’t have all the answers, we’re all just asking better questions."
Q: In an ideal future, what changes would you like to see in STEM to make it more inclusive for women?
"We need to go beyond just encouraging girls to enter STEM—we need structured mentorship, more visible role models, and spaces where women aren’t just included, but heard."
Q: What are your plans after completing the IB? What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
"After the IB, I’m heading into neuroscience with the goal of pursuing a PhD. I want to get involved in research early, focusing on areas like neurological diseases or injury. Long-term, I hope to contribute to meaningful discoveries and find where I can make the biggest impact in the field."
The Future of Women in STEM
Anya’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and determination—qualities that have always driven scientific discovery. However, for more women to succeed in STEM, as Anya rightly pointed out, mentorship, representation, and systemic changes are needed to support women throughout their careers.
Organisations like Girls Who Code, WISE Campaign (UK) (Women in Science and Engineering), Million Women Mentors (MWM), and Teen in AI are making excellent strides in closing the gender gap. But the work isn’t finished—we must continue advocating for equity in STEM.
As we celebrate International Women in STEM Day 2025, we must ensure that young women like Anya not only enter STEM fields but also thrive and lead within them.
Because the future of STEM isn’t just in textbooks or laboratories—it’s in young women like Anya, who will be tomorrow’s changemakers.
Resources & Further Reading
STEM.org.uk has put together some fantastic resources that are freely available to use. Check them out here.
Sources
UN Women (2023). Global gender equality in 2023: Urgent efforts needed to reach 2030 goals. Read more
U.S. Census Bureau (2019). Data shows women making gains in STEM workforce but still underrepresented. Read more
Catalyst (2019). Retaining women in STEM. Read more
Glass, J. L., Sassler, S., Levitte, Y., & Michelmore, K. M. (2013). What’s So Special about STEM? A Comparison of Women’s Retention in STEM and Professional Occupations. Social Forces, 92(2), 723–756.
