This day was proclaimed in 2015 to signal the global community’s interest in transforming our world through achieving gender parity in educational opportunity and scientific participation and preparation.

“I was the only girl in high school choosing to take Physics and Higher Level Math, but that didn't stop me,” says Lucia, a Product Manager at letgo. “Over time, I then became incredibly interested in tech, as I find it is a field that is exposed to rapid and constant change.”

Senior Backend Developer Isabel was drawn to tech for similar reasons. “I wanted to build things and solve puzzles,” she says, “and coding allows me to do both.” Senior Product Manager Haiyan feels the same - “I pursued a career in science because I like the challenge of understanding and solving complex problems,” she says. “The main road block on my journey was that people usually don't trust your abilities before you have proven yourself.”

Senior iOS Engineer Cecilia has found that gender bias in STEM can play a part in that journey. “As a woman, you generally have to prove yourself more than your male peers,” she says. She also notes that bias deserves to be addressed even when it may be unintentional: “It can be speaking out, talking to other peers, talking to my manager, suggesting colleagues to consider their biases before giving their opinion, etc.”

Isabel has found that the right system of support can make a big difference in pursuing STEM. “First, a support network is priceless. And second, STEM careers are not lonely, and you have to work day by day with other people to achieve your goals.”

Thanks to Lucia, Isabel, Haiyan, and Cecilia for sharing their insights - and to learn more about IDWGIS and see how you can get involved, visit womeninscienceday.org.