Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) plays a major role in societal development and without doubt, a major driver of progress anywhere. Yet women and girls have been historically excluded from STEM learning spaces and being told these spaces were not for them.
Women’s History Month gives us the opportunity to recognise the women who helped build STEM fields and inspiring the girls who will lead them into the future.
Women have Always been in STEM
Contrary to popular belief, women have always contributed to science and innovation. From Ada Lovelace who wrote the world’s first computer algorithm in the 1800s to Annie Jump Cannon who developed the Harvard Classification Scheme, the first organised system for classifying stars. Despite these achievements, women’s work in STEM was often dismissed, underfunded, credited to male colleagues or excluded from textbooks.
Why Representation in STEM Matters
When girls do see women thriving in STEM, something changes.
Representation:
- Builds confidence
- Expands career imagination
- Challenges harmful stereotypes
- Improves innovation through diverse perspectives
Interest in STEM often begins early and so do the barriers. Hence, at Baytree we seek to create spaces that spark curiosity and interest in these fields while providing mentors and role models who can support. Through the Baytree’s Work Experience Bootcamp and Career Insight Days focusing on building STEM skills through industry partnerships, school projects, and specialised clubs; school-aged girls are encouraged to further pursue STEM activities.
This March, we honour the women who have paved the way for STEM leadership and innovation in the past while ensuring that women and girls are constantly supported and encouraged to explore beyond the glass ceiling.
Every girl who learns to code, experiment, build, or ask bold questions brings us closer to a future shaped by equity and innovation.
The future of STEM depends on the inclusion of women and girls allowing more room for innovation and inventions across various sectors. When women and girls are included, science becomes more humane, technology more inclusive, and innovation more impactful. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who paved the way while committing to ensuring that every girl who dreams of changing the world has the tools to do so.
Written by Heritage Sanmi-Lawal
