The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a chance to celebrate progress toward gender equality in STEM while recognizing the work still ahead. This year, I was honored to share my perspective as a male leader because I firmly believe that building a more equal world requires everyone’s efforts—men included. Too often, celebrating women’s achievements in STEM becomes a celebration by women for women, but gender equality is a shared responsibility.

We’ve long known that empowering women—through education and opportunities—benefits society as a whole. For example, studies show that improving female literacy can lead to significant economic and social growth. UNESCO even found that just a 1% rise in literacy rates can increase GDP by 2–3%. Imagine the impact we can create by making science accessible to everyone and nurturing talent wherever we find it.

Women in Science: Then and Now

The opportunities for women in science have grown dramatically since my student days. Back then, women’s contributions were often concentrated in fields like biology, environmental science, and chemistry. Today, women are making breakthroughs across all STEM disciplines—materials science, physics, computer science, and engineering included. This progress shows how far we’ve come in breaking down barriers and recognizing the invaluable perspectives women bring to innovation.

Bridging the Gap

Despite these advancements, women remain underrepresented in many scientific fields. This imbalance often begins in childhood. How we introduce science to young learners matters. Rather than presenting it as abstract principles, we need to connect science to everyday life. By combining storytelling with hands-on, problem-solving approaches, we can inspire more young women to see themselves as future scientists.

Role models are also crucial. Seeing successful women in STEM helps challenge stereotypes and shows girls what’s possible—even if they’re the first in their family or community to pursue this path. It’s no small feat to be a pioneer for yourself and for others.

Later in life, workplaces must also do their part to support balance—not just for women but for everyone. When organizations champion equitable policies, they create a culture that benefits all employees while advancing gender equality.

Gender Diversity in PSE

At KAUST, we take pride in contributing to a more inclusive future for women in STEM.

In the Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division, we recently celebrated a significant milestone: the appointment of KAUST first female Associate Dean, Prof. Niveen Khashab. Prof. Khashab, who also leads the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program, which highlights the achievements of female faculty, researchers, and students, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Women researchers in the PSE Division are driving innovation in frontier fields like clean energy. Addressing global energy challenges requires developing renewable sources and improving existing technologies. With over 80% of the world’s energy still derived from combustion, transitioning to renewables will take decades, making it crucial to enhance current combustion systems now. Prof. Deanna Lacoste, Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Program, pioneers plasma-assisted combustion, a technology aimed at making combustion systems cleaner, more efficient, and adaptable to low-temperature fuels.

Another proud moment for PSE came last year when Assistant Professor Jawaher Almutlaq, a former KAUST student, returned as the first female faculty member in the Materials Science and Applied Physics (MSAP) Program. Her journey exemplifies the vibrant and supportive community we are fostering at KAUST.

It Takes a Campus

You’ve likely heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” At KAUST, we believe it takes an entire campus to raise a scientist.

With this in mind, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I want to reflect on the progress we’ve made and reaffirm our commitment to the challenges that remain. Men play a crucial role in this journey. Together, we can continue breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of women in science—for the benefit of all.