Chapter 1: Reflections on a Milestone

As I celebrate a significant milestone in my scientific career, I find myself reflecting on how little has changed since I first entered the workforce—making the goal of remaining employed feel like a noteworthy achievement. Having recently completed 25 years as a scientist, I vividly recall my first day, filled with excitement and the promise of applying my hard-earned education, which began in India and culminated in the U.S. with a Ph.D. Growing up in a family that valued education, I pursued a career in science, blissfully unaware of the challenges that awaited me as a woman in STEM.

Like many young people, I was filled with optimism and naivety. My aspirations were humble; I hoped to contribute to my field, positively impact people's lives, and find fulfillment in meaningful work. Upon reflection, I can now affirm that I have accomplished one modest goal: despite numerous challenges, I have managed to remain in the workforce.

A Challenging Start

On a sunny January morning, as I began my role at a pharmaceutical company in California, I was required to sign a form mandating the disclosure of any pregnancies—a procedure applied only to female employees. This was supposedly for the protection of my unborn child, given the unknown toxicity of the chemicals I would be working with. Reluctantly acknowledging my first trimester, I complied.

With that auspicious beginning, my career unfolded across three countries: the USA, India, and Singapore. I have worked with multinational corporations, research institutes, and even run my own consulting business while teaching at a university. My professional journey has taken me to various countries for work, where I've encountered both cutting-edge facilities and modest operations.

While the world has evolved in many ways since I started my career, fundamental issues regarding women's participation in STEM remain unchanged. The UN has designated February 11 as the International Day of Women in Science to highlight the gender disparity in these fields. Nonetheless, reports from the World Economic Forum indicate that women still face significant barriers to full participation in STEM careers.

Chapter 2: The Search for Answers

In my quest for answers, I revisited my own career experiences. More impactful than public role models were the private interactions I had with women in science within my circle. Before the internet became a primary source of information, I looked to fellow women scientists for inspiration.

My youngest aunt, the first in our family to pursue a science education, a female professor at my university in Baltimore, and my colleagues at work served as informal mentors. They offered practical advice, such as:

• "Never compromise your financial independence."
• "If you need to, adjust your job role or work part-time, but remain in the workforce."
• "Stay alert for career advancement opportunities, but also find ways to reduce stress."
• "Don’t strive to be a superwoman."

While I appreciated their encouragement, I recognized that this advice was not the typical guidance given to men. In an equitable world, I would be compensated fairly and enjoy a similar career trajectory to my male counterparts. Instead, I found myself constantly navigating ways to balance my career while accommodating life changes, including marriage and motherhood.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Nearly a decade ago, I was invited to speak at a girls-only science college in Hyderabad to commemorate Marie Curie's Chemistry Nobel Prize centennial. Feeling unqualified, I hesitated, but the principal insisted I could inspire the young women there.

What could I share with a new generation of aspiring scientists facing an uphill battle? I spoke of dreams, hard work, opportunities, and setbacks. I recounted my own struggles, including miscarriages and migration, divorce and loss. At every crossroads, I asked myself, "What is the smallest change I can make to stay in the workforce?"

Over time, I transitioned to fewer hours, enrolled in courses for new skills, relocated closer to my workplace, and even shifted from a full-time role to freelance consulting. This constant reinvention was necessary to adapt to my evolving lifestyle.

The Reality of Women's Experiences in STEM

While I would like to believe that conditions for women in STEM have improved, the reality is more complex. I enjoyed watching shows like The Big Bang Theory, which featured female scientists, yet a tweet depicting Flavia Tata Nardini, co-founder of Fleetspace Technologies, delivering a speech while juggling children truly represented a woman's work-life reality.

Indian women scientists briefly gained recognition for successfully sending a satellite to Mars, but many other contributors are overshadowed by celebrity culture. Women often face significant challenges—reliable childcare, financial support, and flexibility. Many essays shared by the American Association of Science highlight the struggles women face in balancing work with personal crises, which ultimately impact their career trajectories.

It is disheartening to see so many women exiting STEM fields. Yet, against this backdrop, my achievement of remaining in the race feels monumental. I attribute my perseverance to a supportive network—flexible bosses, family, and friends who stepped in during crises.

In an effort to give back, a colleague and I advocated for a daycare center at our workplace in India and hired young mothers on flexible schedules in my consulting business. I continue to mentor my former students, long after they have graduated.

Continuing the Fight for Change

Change unfolds at its own pace. Until it accelerates, I refuse to succumb to despair. By maintaining my tenuous hold on the workplace, supporting initiatives like the Life Of Science project, and sharing my experiences, I aim to champion the cause of women in STEM.

What women in STEM require are dependable role models who endure, speak out, and create a legacy of resilience for future generations.

The first video, "Retaining Women in STEM | Nicole Cabana | TEDxMashpeeWomen," discusses strategies for keeping women engaged in STEM fields, highlighting personal stories and practical solutions.

The second video, "MOVE OVER BOYS: Why we need more girls/women in STEM Careers | Hilary Lappin-Scott | TEDxSwansea," emphasizes the importance of increasing female representation in STEM careers and the societal benefits that follow.

Ranjani Rao is a scientist by training, a writer by passion, originally from Mumbai, a former resident of the USA, and now lives in Singapore with her family. She is currently working on a memoir.