International Day of Women and Girls in Science: My Journey as a Woman in Science

Engineering sciences have always been a journey of curiosity, challenges, and discovery. When I reflect on my path as a woman in a male-dominated field, it has also been a journey of perseverance and breaking barriers. As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I am honored to share my experiences—not only to reflect on my own path but also to inspire other women and girls to embrace their scientific aspirations.

I grew up in a small town in northeastern Brazil, where access to science and technology was scarce, but my curiosity about how things worked was limitless. I was fascinated by the mechanics of everyday objects, the way electricity powered homes, and how simple machines made tasks easier. However, beyond the limited resources, female models in STEM were even rarer. Despite these challenges, I was fortunate to have parents who supported me and encouraged me to believe in my potential to pursue a career in this field.

At 17, I moved to São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, to pursue higher education. Engineering and technology felt like the right path for me, but I quickly encountered narratives suggesting that these fields were not "for girls." Classmates would often express surprise at my choice, and I heard remarks implying that women lacked the aptitude for technical disciplines.

During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to engage in scientific research in microelectronics and sensors. This experience deepened my interest in engineering, but I quickly realized that passion alone was not enough. I faced biases, struggled with the lack of female role models, and had to navigate the challenge of balancing societal expectations with professional ambitions. I often found myself as the only woman in my classes and at conference sessions—an isolating experience that sometimes made me question my place in this field. While this was intimidating, it also motivated me to work harder and continue my academic path through a Master's and PhD.

Like many women in science, I have also battled impostor syndrome—the nagging doubt that I wasn’t good enough. I learned to manage these feelings by celebrating small victories, such as publishing a paper, presenting at conferences, or receiving positive peer feedback. Over time, I realized that moments of doubt are universal, and the key is to focus on growth rather than perfection.

I hope to see a future where gender is no longer a barrier and where every girl feels encouraged to pursue her curiosity and contribute to science in its various fields.

A turning point in my journey was discovering communities that support women in science. Organizations such as IEEE Women in Engineering, SPIE Women in Optics, Society of Women Engineers, and initiatives that promote diversity in STEM became a source of encouragement and confidence. They reminded me that I was not alone and that there was a network of women facing and overcoming similar challenges. I also learned the importance of seeking mentorship, asking for help, and uplifting others along the way.

Over the past 15 years, I have built my academic career as a professor and researcher in engineering, seeking to combine scientific knowledge with practical applications that impact society through my work on semiconductors and photovoltaic devices. Throughout this journey, I have learned that collaboration is the key to success in research. Being part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural research community has shown me the value of diverse perspectives and the power of inclusion.

Science thrives on diversity, and including more women and girls enriches the field with new perspectives, ideas, and innovations. I hope to see a future where gender is no longer a barrier and where every girl feels encouraged to pursue her curiosity and contribute to science in its various fields.

As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us remember that every contribution, no matter how small, has the power to inspire change. By sharing our stories, mentoring others, and advocating for inclusivity, we can create a future where science truly reflects the diversity of our world. But this effort cannot rest solely on the shoulders of women—institutions, educators, policymakers, and society as a whole must take active steps to create equitable opportunities for all.

To all girls and women in science: your voice matters, your contributions are valuable, and your journey is worth celebrating. The scientific community thrives on diverse perspectives, and your talent, creativity, and resilience are essential to shaping its future. Together, we can break barriers and push the boundaries of human knowledge.

Mariana Amorim Fraga
Professor, School of Engineering
Lead of Sensors and Photovoltaic Research Group
Mackenzie Presbyterian University
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6976-8550