Acknowledging International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Under-representation of women continues to persist at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women are making fantastic progress toward increasing their participation in higher education, they are still underrepresented in these fields.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance on February 11. This day was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015 to promote the full and equal access and participation of women and girls in STEM fields.

Across Thiess, we continue to grow and connect our global network of women and girls in science and celebrate their achievements today and every day.

We spoke to three female colleagues to learn more about their career paths and asked them why girls and women should consider a science career.

Meet Isabel Hardy, Environmental Advisor, Brisbane, Australia.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
I was introduced to science in early childhood by my dad. Weekends were full of science experiments and using his telescope to find stars and planets. I then went on to study science at high school and ecology at university.

After university, I started a graduate program at a mine site, and I have stayed in the mining industry ever since, because I love the fact I am always learning and interpreting my technical scientific skills through different lenses.

What’s your proudest career moment so far?
I would say, contributing to a research project, focusing on developing a prescription for rehabilitating mined land. Working with experts from various fields, we reviewed years of historic data to develop effective solutions for sustainable and safe rehabilitation. This experience underscored the value of teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex scientific issues.

What advice would you give to aspiring women considering a career in science or a similar field?
Don't give up if something isn't coming naturally to you - often when you apply it to something you are more passionate about, it will flow much easier. Don't be afraid to step out of the pure theory and get your hands dirty.

Know that you are needed in the world of science and seek out mentors and support networks!

Meet Paola Marcano, Junior IT Engineer, Santiago, Chile.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM? 
From a very young age, I liked computers. My dad gave me my first PC when Windows 98 was released, and internet connection was through dial-up. That's where my curiosity for technology began. I learned everything from installing software to repairing my own PC. Later, I entered university and without hesitation, I studied Computer Engineering. Along the way, I took technical courses to continue learning. Thanks to my studies and daily eagerness to learn, I am where I am, practicing this wonderful profession, and I'm aiming for more!

What motivates you about your role?
I feel motivated and driven by a desire to help, user satisfaction after resolving an issue or providing IT-related guidance is important to me. I apply the trial-and-error approach and when I don't have an immediate solution, I always strive for a resolution. I love learning something new in IT every day, expanding my ‘hard drive’ (brain) with new learnings.

What do you think women and girls need to succeed in an IT career?  
Building and possessing self-confidence, a constant desire to learn and training your mind to solve problems are key. This field is vast, so find the branch that suits you best, aligning with your preferences. Nowadays, we have numerous tools for learning; all you need is the determination. With that, you will be successful. 

Meet Keke Steamy Electricia, Senior Geologist, Jakarta, Indonesia.

What inspired you to pursue a career in geology?
My father has inspired my career path and my name!
He was a nuclear-geohydrology scientist and worked for National Nuclear Energy Agency (Badan Tenaga Nuklir Nasional) in Bandung from 1962 - 1979. He named all of us (I’m the youngest of six children) according to the projects he was working on at the time. We are all named after chain reactions. Ranging from radioactive element reactions and ending with me, electric steam power.

I started my career as a Junior Exploration Geologist in a gold mine in Halmahera Island and was there for five years working my way up to Project Resource Definition Geologist. I took a break to have children and raise my daughters. I then went back to University because my interest in geology didn’t stop after becoming a mother. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Geology, Padjadjaran University and joined a mining software company soon after.

What is your proudest career moment so far?
I would say, finishing my Master’s Degree with the highest GPA in my class, while having my second child proved to me that raising children is not a barrier to learning more and achieving in geology.

Joining Thiess has also been a proud moment for me!

What advice would you give to aspiring women considering a career in science or a similar field?
There is no barrier to strive for what we are passionate about, provided we maintain our curiosity and thirst for knowledge as well as enjoying the process. Women can have what they want, whatever that is; a family, a career and an education. We all need different supports and people around us to thrive and that is important to all women and career paths.