Celebrating International Day of Women & Girls in Science
Feb 8, 2021 - InsightsWomen and girls represent half of the world’s population. This means they signify half of its capability and promise.
However, that ratio is not at all consistent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Consider these startling statistics:
- Less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women
- From 2014-2016, approximately 30% of all female students selected STEM-related disciplines in higher education
- Of all the Nobel Prize Laureates in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, 587 (97%) are male and 20 (3%) are female
This significant, long-standing gender gap is also reflected on the big screen: a 2015 study by the Geena Davis Institute showed that of the characters with an identifiable STEM job, only 12% were women.
In an effort to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology communities, and with the hope of encouraging more females to pursue STEM careers, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 2015 to establish February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
“To rise to the challenges of the 21st century, we need to harness our full potential,” said António Guterres, UN Secretary-General. “That requires dismantling gender stereotypes. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s pledge to end the gender imbalance in science.”
We are proud of and grateful for our many Tronox women in science—their contributions, accomplishments and passion for their work. Meet some of our female colleagues that we honor on this International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
“Being a woman in science is showing that we have the competence to contribute more and more to society, in addition to inspiring other women to earn their place in the scientific world.”
Carla Vieira, Chemical Engineer – Bahia, Brazil
“Women are known to use the right side of their brain more, which stimulates lateral thinking, leading to technological advancements through invention, innovation, implementation and improvisation in the chemical process industry. I am glad to be a part of that journey.”
Kalyani Pangarkar, Senior Process Engineer, Finishing Plant – Rotterdam-Botlek, The Netherlands
“Being a woman in science, especially in a company with great representation and appreciation of women, is a proud accomplishment. May we continue to perform with safe, quality and efficient jobs, and be an inspiration for the future female generation.”
Adrielle Almeida, Chemical Engineer – Bahia, Brazil
“To be a woman and a scientist in South Africa means that I am taking up space and a stand in a dynamic and ever progressing world. It allows me to be a role model, and to show aspiring female scientist that we not only can, but should, become a part of the global scientific world. Our contribution, our voice, and what we believe in matters.”
Joy Julie, Quality Laboratory Chemist – Namakwa Sands, South Africa
“The world has been learning to understand and value differences. The contributions and roles of women are increasingly strong in society, and it is no different in the science field. At Tronox, I have been given the opportunity to develop as a person and a professional, and to work with many incredible women who show me, day after day, that a woman’s place is wherever she wants to be.”
Maria Luiza Santana, R&D Leader – Bahia, Brazil
“Women in the mining industry bring diverse perspectives to solve problems, therefore creating innovative future trends in the industry.”
Gina Shin, Graduate Engineer – Kwinana, Australia
“My passion of science was largely inspired by pioneer scientist, Marie Curie. Curie, known for discovering two elements on the periodic table in the late 1800’s, is the first lady to ever win a Nobel Prize – twice. Being a woman in science means empowerment, and I feel empowered in my role at Tronox each day. I look forward to seeing new waves of women scientists breaking barriers. Just as Curie said, ‘There is great beauty in science.’”
Amy Chunn Clark, Lab Support X-ray Analyst-Quality Assurance – Hamilton, Mississippi
“Being a woman in science is to be charmed by its complexity and be responsible for making a difference. If today I can work with automation, I owe it to the women who pioneered and contributed to the development of technology, thus opening the way for future generations. We create projects capable of impacting ages. Being a woman in science at Tronox means having the peace of mind that equality and diversity will be guaranteed.”
Raquel Fioresi, Chemical Engineer – Bahia, Brazil