Women in Science: A Modern Parent's Perspective

✦ Elizabeth Regin muses on opening the way for children to explore any field where their interests and skills take them.

Henry gets curious about the planets!

Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, and Marie-Anne Paulze Lavoisier — these women have always been my heroes, their legacies etched in my mind. They are scientists who revolutionized modern science throughout history.

The Solvay Conference, 1927 (Photo: rarehistoricalphotos.com)

Who could not be captivated by the pictures of Marie Curie, captured in real time during the Fifth Solvay Conference in 1927, where she was the only woman amongst the most recognisable names in modern science?

Thanks to greater exposure from books and films like Hidden Figures, which tells the story of real-life inspirational African-American mathematicians who worked for NASA, and the series Lessons in Chemistry, we now have a deeper awareness of the obstacles these women faced in society and in the STEM sector in which they worked.

Growing up in an Asian culture, many girls and women I know - including my mother and grandmother - faced these same obstacles. You’d think it was more prevalent before the ’60s, but these struggles, coupled with traditional parenting beliefs, were still commonplace. Girls’ education in the family was placed on the back burner, while boys were encouraged to pursue 'intellectual pursuits'.

Victoria is exploring to the moon and back!

Progress has been made, albeit slowly, with modern parenting influencing some change - alongside numerous complex factors such as the breaking of cultural and gender roles in society, and technological advancements.

I am heartened to see that there are more women in the STEM sector; women now make up 26% of the STEM workforce.

A head full of stars, planets and mysteries of the universe!

Though the numbers might seem small, their work has had a significant and pivotal impact on the STEM sector. These women deserve greater recognition for their contributions and for paving the way for future generations.

There are also now cool STEM courses available like coding and robotics for kids starting from as young as 4 years old.

As a modern parent, I consider education -especially scientific literacy - one of the top priorities in my children’s lives, with an emphasis on being cultured and cultivated as part of our household philosophy.

In her book Dans un mois, dans un an, French writer Françoise Sagan wrote, 'La culture est ce qui reste quand on ne sait rien faire,' which, to us, means that culture is like a parachute - it’s the only thing that will save you when there’s nothing left.

The best scientists are children - I am in awe of my children’s insatiable curiosity for exploring, learning, and questioning.

Where does Victoria want to travel to when she grows up?

We believe in doing our best to explain how things work. We try to cultivate our children’s curiosity through fun science activities and by always keeping their library accessible. Through these activities and the positive affirmations that begin at home, we hope to show them that science is for everyone - and a key to knowledge that can help them reach for the stars.

Perhaps Victoria and Henry will aspire to be - and one day be amongst - many more Marie Curies, Katherine Johnsons, and Ada Lovelaces, just as I once did. ❋

Fun Science Experiments for Children. Enjoy!

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