Celebrating Women and Girls in Science: Our Stories

Every year, on February 11th, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, to recognise the contributions of female role models in science and their impact on major discoveries in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 

In honor of this occasion, we asked members of our team to share the challenges they have faced throughout their careers, how they overcame them and how they continue to pursue their passions with endurance. To our surprise, many of these experiences seemed common, underscoring the importance of information exchange and open communication in eliminating disparities. In a world where women account for only 30% of researchers globally (UNESCO, 2019), we want to emphasise the significance of role models and the representation of women in science. We hope our stories will inspire and motivate others to continue their journey into the world of STEM.

“Growing up in Greece in the ’90s, the biggest challenge I faced was the lack of female role models in science and the failure to recognize that everyone can follow their unique path. I knew early on I wanted to become a biologist, but my limited understanding of the field shaped my vision of what I thought was possible. As a university student, this challenge grew, as many underestimated my abilities—either because I didn’t fit the scientist stereotype or simply because I was a woman. The absence of female mentors was glaring, and I decided that one day, when and if given the chance, I would become one.

The turning point came during my master’s studies when I found my first female mentor among friends. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to guide younger women in their studies, careers, or life challenges. Some might think I go overboard, but I see every woman’s success as a shared victory. This dedication drove me to become a mentor and an active member of Greek Women in STEM, supporting the next generation to overcome barriers and dream bigger.” 

~ Dr Katerina Britzolaki, Senior Project Manager,  Healthcare and Life Sciences Innovation & Strategy, PreScouter Inc., USA

“I am not sure what the biggest challenge I have faced is—there have certainly been many throughout my career. One of them is balancing society, career, and family. It is very fulfilling to do something you truly love and care about, yet at the same time, it is disheartening to hear the word sacrifice when it comes to family. Our society is still not ready to fully support women in dual or triple roles. You cannot have everything is the common refrain. Although this is a challenge for women in any profession, it becomes even more pronounced in science, particularly in lab-based research. Women who want to start a family often cannot —and should not— be in the lab for extended periods. Unfortunately, in most cases, this lack of presence is not supported, leading to loss of the leading role in their research.

In my view, the notion of choice in this context should be eradicated. Change can begin with women empowerment, aiming to make their voices louder in rejecting societal norms that do not align with their needs.”

~ Dr Kiki Barmpa, Neurobiologist, Researcher in Neuroscience and Rare Diseases at Roche, Switzerland

“I have always considered myself as a lucky woman in STEM, having strong female role models to look up to and get advice from, having a successful academic trajectory, and overall supportive friends and family. But then I wonder, why do I feel lucky and not just… normal? Why do I have to be lucky that I was not discriminated, belittled, and questioned for my abilities and successes? Why can’t I just celebrate my achievements and take it for granted that no one would have questioned my abilities? Because at the same time, my friends and colleagues in STEM are not as lucky as me. Gender bias is well instilled in our societies, in academia and industry. Women always have to prove themselves and navigate sexist behaviors and comments in the male-dominated world of STEM.

The more I think about the topic, the more I realize that there were moments when I was not so lucky. Moments when my family and advisors were pulling me towards their benefits and desires. This is when I realized how important it is to listen to our gut feeling and decide to follow the path we want, and not the one others have dreamt for us. Since then, I am very careful about who I ask for advice and how I process the advice I get. Also, I try to surround myself with people who lift me up and get distance from the ones who don’t. I still have to learn how to say yes to fewer things, because guess what… the efforts to increase visibility of women in STEM, directly translate to additional duties and overheads for women.

What keeps me going is the deep belief that we, women, are fearless, strong and resilient. Greek Women in STEM has given me the platform, support and friendships to actively work towards women empowerment. And I do not worry… together, we got this!” 

~ Thaleia Dimitra Doudali, Assistant Professor in Informatics, IMDEA Software Institute, Spain

“Academia is a place where failure is a big part of the process. However, the main challenge I have faced over the years is the lack of recognition for my contributions and the ongoing need to demonstrate my skills for my work to be acknowledged. Due to my age, there have been moments when my politeness has been misconstrued as naivety, which has led me to adapt a more assertive approach in order to ensure my perspectives are valued and my participation in projects is recognised. 

However, I choose to adopt an optimistic outlook, believing we are on the verge of meaningful change. The challenges our generation faces in higher education are considerably less daunting than those experienced by the previous generation 10-15 years ago. I genuinely aspire for a spirit of solidarity and support among individuals – whether it be between men and women, among men, and among women. I hope that the older generations can provide us with the motivation and insights necessary for our growth, approached with appreciation and respect. Concurrently, I wish for younger individuals to remain hopeful while learning valuable lessons from those that came before them. Only through sincere cooperation and collaboration can we create space for development and progression not only in science but in all facets of life.” 

~ Maria Kyriazi, DPhil/PhD (Oxon), Molecular and Cellular Medicine, University of Oxford, UK

“The greatest challenge I have faced in my journey so far has been proving that I truly deserve what I have achieved. Many times, I encountered looks of doubt or outright derogatory comments from colleagues and supervisors, suggesting that my work was not good enough despite the hard work I had put in. A striking example was when, in the past, my then-supervisor openly claimed, without any evidence, that I must have copied my work from others because it was "too good" for me to have accomplished on my own!

In all these moments, I always stood up for myself and defended my efforts. Furthermore, I sought to connect with people who share the same values and to join communities such as Greek Women in STEM so that, by uniting our strengths, we can help the next generations of girls pursue their dreams.

For the future, I hope that all of us believe that we deserve a place at the field of science, without conditions or restrictions, and to never let anyone convince us otherwise. Science is magic, and it belongs to anyone who loves it and wants to explore it.” 

~ Maria Koumouri, Doctoral Researcher in Biomedical Sciences, Cyprus Cancer Research Institute, Cyprus

“The greatest difficulty I faced during my medical career was the distrust that often accompanies the position of a female doctor in Greece. Despite knowledge and dedication, a female doctor continues to encounter prejudices that question her abilities, mainly due to her gender.

This distrust is evident both from patients and from colleagues, who may take longer to recognize her scientific competence. Additionally, there are social and cultural perceptions that create further barriers, creating an environment where women must work twice as hard to gain the same recognition.

Dealing with this challenge required calmness, persistence, and self-confidence, as well as the continuous demonstration of my abilities through my work. In the end, this experience made me stronger, helped me grow, and kept me focused on my goal: to serve my patients with honesty and effectiveness.” 

~ Eirini Benaki, Cardiovascular Imaging Fellow, University of Lausanne/CHUV, Switzerland

“Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science! I wish that this day is celebrated more and more and that all women and girls who love science feel safe, optimistic, full of dreams and confident about their abilities and their future in science.

I wasn't always a woman 'in science'... as in STEM! My first degrees were in political/social science until some people gave me the opportunity to pursue a PhD in the Department of Computer Science. Fortunately, my academic environment helped me realise that I had something to contribute to the university's research despite my different background. So, when I later decided to transition into the industry and found myself to be the only woman in meetings, I continued to try to achieve something obvious for others... to make my voice heard.

Through my involvement with the mentoring programme of Greek Women in STEM, I am helping to create the right circumstances so that all voices can be heard!” 

~ Dr. Tatiana Charikleia Styliari, Lead UX researcher, Deloitte, UK

“I love bright colours, bold accessories, and colourful makeup. When studying chemical engineering in Greece I didn't see many people like me around, so I developed this sense of they won’t think I am a proper engineer if I turn up wearing blue mascara or pay attention to accessories. When I moved to the UK for my MSc and PhD, things improved given the higher level of diversity, and I grew the confidence to realise that it’s not the outside that makes the professional, but the application/generation of knowledge and the way someone conducts themselves. Since then, alongside progressing professionally as an engineer and educator, I embraced my colourful accents and developed a fame for my style choices, not being shy to highlight this part of my personality, even in professional settings. Being a woman in STEM should not be woman OR STEM, it should be woman AND that.”

~ Dr. Eleni Routoula, Chemical Engineer, University Teacher,  University of Sheffield, UK

“I wish for all of us to find the strength to become the change we want to see in our field! No matter how hard it may seem, my participation in the Organization of Greek Women in STEM is a big step in this direction! I have faith in this journey and in the amazing women walking alongside me. May happiness and creativity always be present, even despite the difficulties we face!”

~ Dr. Marina Arbi, Biologist, Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, UK

“From a young age, I faced social encouragement to choose a safe career path, as stability was seen as essential for a woman. I was encouraged to pursue jobs with a guaranteed salary, but I followed my passion for mathematics. Today, through Greek Women in STEM, I help women explore their options in science and pursue their dreams without fear. I hope we all dare to walk our own path always, even if it looks different for the other people. We are the change we want to see in the world!” 

~ Christina Seventikidou, Mathematician, Data scientist at Optasia, Greece

“You choose to study a subject either because you already know what you want to pursue, or you are just starting to find your way. At 24 you decide that's not enough, and you want to pursue postgraduate studies, maybe look at something else. 

- What's the point? Will it help you get a better job in the future? When are you going to start working? 

At 26 you get your first job in the field. Your studies have shaped you; you're beginning to see life in a more comprehensive manner. So, at 28, you realize that you want to explore more, get hands-on experience in something new.

- You should stay where you are. Here, you are well-paid. Be realistic.

Words that many young women still hear today. In a society that wants to be seen as progressive, women still break through the glass ceiling regarding the career path they want to pursue. In a society that is progressive, we try to discuss, be informed, and choose for ourselves.” 

~ Dorothea Maneta, Doctoral Researcher, Medical School, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany

As we can see, the path to success in science is rarely a straight line, and women in this field often face unique challenges. Members of the Greek Women in STEM (GWiS) community have graciously shared their personal journeys, offering insights into the obstacles they have encountered and the strategies they have used to overcome them. Their resilience and determination remind us that while the path may be challenging, it is also rewarding and full of possibilities.

As we celebrate this day, let us continue to foster an environment where every girl and woman feels empowered to pursue their passion for science without barriers. Together, we can create a future where women are equally represented and valued in all scientific fields.