Shedding Light on Black Holes: Girls, Women, and STEM

1. Unesco estimates over 160 million girls worldwide are not educated due to refugee status, war relocation, poverty, and gender preference. What would the world look like if all girls were educated? What do you think would change?

I am not surprised that UNESCO estimates that  160 million girls worldwide are not educated. There are girls all around the world (including the United States) that do not have the opportunity or access to a proper education.  I do think that the world would be a much different place if all girls were educated.

We need to remember that when girls become educated…

• They tend to delay the process of getting married and having children.
• A child born to a literate mother is 50% more likely to survive past the age of 5. (UNESCO, 2018)
• In underdeveloped countries, one in every three girls is married before reaching the age of 18  (United Nations Population Fund)

• Girls and women are less likely to be victims of domestic and sexual violence or to tolerate it in their family  if they have been educated about what is happening and what their rights are;

• In certain parts of the world  families often choose to send their daughters to work instead of school to help support their family
• A girl with an extra year of education can earn 20% more as an adult. (The World Bank)
• This does not just empower her but also can empower the economy she is a part of

• Girls who are uneducated are more susceptible to getting sexually transmitted diseases, having an unplanned pregnancy and experiencing other health complications.
• The #1 cause of death for girls 15-19 is childbirth. (World Health Organization, 2018 )

2. Do you think social media has played a role in assisting with elevating the role of women in science? For Malala’s cause? For the women of Hidden Figures? For Katie Bouman and the black hole photograph?

I think that Social media has been a  factor in spreading the message that women can and are powerful and successful since  it gives everyone and anyone ( with access to it) an equal chance to post, share and make comments, By positively spreading light through articles and images online more people are able to see that women doing amazing things. Thus it reinforces to others that they too can make a difference in the world. Movies such as Hidden Figures shows the audience the struggle that women have faced and continue to meet in male-dominated careers. Malala uses her voice to create a dialogue around education. Even at a young age, she understood how important it was to talk to people, give interviews  (even under a false name if needed to protect an identity) so that people can understand what is going on in a society that is under the Taliban. Her story was shared by millions on social media and made more people aware of what is going on under Taliban control. Katie Bouman and the black hole photograph was all over social media and showed the world that women have been involved in STEM and deserve the recognition for their efforts. 

3. Which women scientists would you like to see receive more recognition?

I think that Rita Levi-Montalcini (1919-2012)  should be known more outside of the neurobiology and oncology sphere. At the time of her death, she was the oldest living Nobel laureate as well as the first Nobel Prize winner to live to 100. Rita faced many limitations during her career from fascism and anti-Semitic laws that were present both pre and during WWII. During World War II she chose to stay in Italy and create a makeshift laboratory in her home so she could continue her work which later helped her a colleague discovered nerve growth factor. This protein regulates the growth of cells and plays a vital role in the development of tumors. 

4. What is the key to encouraging more girls to study the sciences? Why is this important?

The amazing thing about science is that it is very versatile. I believe that ( STEM) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics,  should be emphasized in school from a young age but in a way that inspires the student and makes them excited. I do think that society needs to disregard the stereotypes that math and science are only for boys. I think that we should encourage everyone to become interested in STEM.

In high school, I was the president of my schools IGNITE (Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution)  chapter. The mission of Ignite was to create opportunities to spark girls’ ( and now includes Self-identifying girls and non-binary students ) excitement about technology careers and inspire them to explore new possibilities. During my time at school, this club allowed me the chance to attend multiple panel discussions, field trips, and meet women who were working in the STEM field. I hope that someday everyone will have the chance to learn more about STEM in an open and inclusive environment. 

Links 

A Conversation with Rita Levi-Montalcini | Video
Hidden Figures
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education
Meet Dr. Katie Bouman, the 29-Year-Old Behind the Black Hole Image| Video