Varun Dhawan ties the knot with Natasha Dalal

International Women’s Day 2025 shines a spotlight on women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It’s a day to honour their achievements, recognise the challenges they continue to face, and celebrate the bright future they are helping to shape. Throughout history, women have made invaluable contributions to scientific and technological progress, often in the face of significant obstacles. Yet, their work has been essential in shaping the modern world, and their legacy continues to inspire the next generation of female innovators.

A long history of overcoming barriers

Historically, women in STEM fields have faced discrimination, gender bias, and limited access to education. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, societal norms often confined women to roles as caregivers and homemakers, discouraging them from pursuing careers in areas like science and engineering. Despite these obstacles, pioneering women like Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as the first computer programmer, and Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, broke through these barriers. Their work laid the foundation for the inclusion of women in STEM fields today.