In celebration of the international Day of Women and Girls in Science, Pensoft Publishers recognizes and honors the significant contributions made by women in our journals’ editorial teams.
Sence its establishment by the United Nations in 2015, February 11 has been designated as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day is dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating the transformative role that women play in laboratories, fields, and archives. Despite their undeniable impact, only one-third of STEM researchers worldwide are women, with a mere 35% of all STEM graduates being female. Moreover, only one out of ten women reach leadership positions.
This year’s theme for the celebration is “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender gap.” It focuses on how emerging technologies can shape the future of STEM and their influence on gender equality.
While previous campaigns have urged for concrete steps towards promoting gender equality in science, this year’s focus is on showcasing existing good practices and solutions for creating more inclusive environments within STEM fields.
At Pensoft Publishers,we are committed to this mission by amplifying the voices of women on our editorial boards. By sharing their wisdom, reflections, and visions for the future, we hope to foster a more equitable scientific community while inspiring young girls to pursue their passions in STEM.
For young women and girls who dream of a career in science, Sandy Knapp, co-Editor-in-Chief of the open-access journal PhytoKeys, offers a powerful reminder:
“Keep going and keep doing. Don’t let anyone tell you that science isn’t for girls – it most certainly is. Science is for everyone, and it thrives on diversity. We need all kinds of people to make it truly work.”
As a woman leading a major scientific journal, knapp also believes that creating a sense of belonging is a shared responsibility:
“We all need to work on this, both women and men. I think we should not immediately assume subordinate roles – this doesn’t mean shouting and stamping our feet but rather assuming quiet and steadfast excellence.”
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Knapp conducting fieldwork in Brazil in the
“1980s. -
Robinson-Smythe conducting fieldwork. 
In addition to her passion for science, Robinson-Smythe also advocates for creating an inclusive environment for women in academia. She believes that offering on-campus childcare and providing support at conferences can help mothers feel like they belong rather than feeling like they have to choose between motherhood and their career.
Deborah L. Paul, co-Editor-in-Chief of the Natural History and Museomics journal, echoes Robinson-Smythe’s sentiments. She encourages young women to believe in themselves and surround themselves with supportive individuals who will encourage them to pursue their dreams.
To create a truly inclusive scientific community, Paul believes that it is the responsibility of leaders to actively promote diversity and inclusion.She emphasizes the importance of constantly questioning current practices to ensure that everyone has a voice and can contribute to the field.
Reflecting on her own career, paul credits her success to her mentors and encourages others to do the same:
“Be a mentor for someone else.”
The contributions of women in science are invaluable, and it is indeed vital for young girls to see these role models breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. By promoting diversity and inclusion in science, we can create a more equitable future for all aspiring scientists.
Rewritten:
As a publishing company, Pensoft values and celebrates the contributions of women in science. In this article, we highlight the insights and experiences of senior editors Sandy Knapp, Tammy Robinson-Smythe, and deborah L. Paul.
Knapp reflects on her career path and offers advice to her younger self: ”Recognize that your journey may not be linear, but embrace new discoveries and adventures.” This sentiment is echoed by Robinson-smythe and Paul who emphasize the importance of diversity in the field.
In order to create a publishing environment where women’s research is seen and their voices are heard, Pensoft recognizes the importance of diversity. This includes showcasing the work of female scientists and providing opportunities for them to share their perspectives.
Here’s to celebrating the incredible contributions of women and girls in science!