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Celebrating women and girls in science

Guest posts

Category: Sciences nutritional and pharmaceutical

10 February 2020

International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11 February, recognises the important role women and girls play in science and technology. With that in mind, we asked some of our third-year students to tell us what science means to them.

Erin – psychology student

I never thought I would get into science, and it wasn’t until I started my degree that I realised I already was.

Growing up, people around me would say that psychology is a 'girl science' and I believed them, but now when I find myself studying the anatomy of the brain and using statistical programmes I realised that it's no more for girls than it is boys. No subject has a specific gender and as a girl it’s important to know the sky is the limit; follow your passions and pursue the things you care about. I don’t limit myself or my abilities based on my gender whatsoever and I don’t consider myself any less capable than the boys on my course. Being a girl is not a limitation of capability.

Midwifery student Anna Zampino
Animal Behaviour student Miranda on a boat in Uganda - elephants seen in background
Psychology and Criminology student Erin

Miranda – animal sciences student

I guess there aren’t many people in the world who have spent most of their time recording lizard behaviour from the age of nine. Well, I am one!

I’ve always loved nature and animals, and have always focused on my dreams of studying African mammals. My inspiration is a woman, a great scientist: her name is Jane Goodall. Through her stories and studies, she has demonstrated women can be pioneers in science. There are a lot of women on my Animal Behaviour course at ARU and in my field in general as I saw when we went to Uganda for a field trip last summer [pictured]. I feel that something is changing to make gender equality happen thanks to social media and culture, on the whole.

Anna – midwifery student

Science is not just about biology, chemistry or physics, but about asking questions, finding the evidence, researching and finding new ways to adapt. There are different aspects that can suit you, your studies and future ambitions.

Biology, in particular, always interested me in school. I knew when I was at secondary school that I wanted to go into the healthcare profession. A key aspect of a midwife’s role is empowering women and supporting them throughout their pregnancy, labour and postnatal period. Over the years more men are joining midwifery practice, however it is still very female-dominated. But we all encourage and empower each other as colleagues and as a united team to care and support women and their families.




There's a broad range of science degrees on offer at ARU, including animal and life sciences, psychology, and health and medical sciences. Browse undergraduate or postgraduate courses, or come along to an Open Day to find out more.

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Disclaimer

The views expressed here are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of Anglia Ruskin University. If you've got any concerns please contact us.