Each year, on 11 February, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrates women and girls’ critical role in science innovations. This year, UNESCO has confirmed that Closing the Gender Gap in Science is the central theme, highlighting the need for more women to lead and shape scientific disciplines.
AZoCleantech is proud to support efforts to bridge the gender gap in STEM. Since launching our first site, AZoM, in 2000, we have witnessed progress in representation and recognition—more women are receiving Nobel Prizes, and their contributions to science are increasingly celebrated. However, women still account for only 35% of STEM graduates, emphasizing the need for continued progress.
To mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, AZoCleantech is celebrating a selection of inspiring female scientists. They share key milestones for women in science, their enthusiasm for future advancements, and their advice for the next generation.
Dr. Estelle Emilie Clerc, a researcher for Groundwater and Hydromechanics at ETH Zurich and a Bridge Fellow of the Swiss National Science Foundation-Innosuisse programme. Estelle is also a Founder and CEO of CellX Biosolutions.
“The past decade has witnessed remarkable progress for women in science, particularly in entrepreneurship. One trend we see is the rise of women-led startups in STEM fields, which are not only innovating but also challenging traditional business norms. Women entrepreneurs have spearheaded groundbreaking solutions in clean technology, biotechnology, and beyond, often addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and healthcare access.
Looking ahead, I am inspired by the increasing visibility of women as both innovators and leaders, driving change in industries in which they have been in the minority in the past.
Believe in your ideas and their potential to make a difference. Seek allies, embrace boldness, and remember that your resilience is a catalyst for change.”
Jessica Droujko, ETH Zurich Pioneer Fellow / Cofounder and CEO of Riverkin
“Over the past decade, women in science have made incredible strides, not just in representation but in reshaping the culture of STEM itself. While I haven’t witnessed a single defining moment, I’ve been part of small but meaningful initiatives, like a POWE (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Engineering) conference at McGill and a YouTube channel highlighting female scientists.
What excites me most is the evolving working environment; I look forward to a future where women feel they truly belong in science. As more women step into leadership roles, they’ll open doors for others, making these spaces more inclusive.
My advice to the next generation is don’t sweat the specifics; your path will change, and that’s okay. When you’re underestimated (because it will happen), don’t waste energy proving yourself to those who can’t see your worth. Keep moving forward; it’s their loss, not yours.”
Sarah Mackintosh, Director of Cleantech for UK
In 2024, Sarah Mackintosh, the Director of Cleantech for UK, shared insights into whether the UK has a sustainable future. Sarah is building a coalition of cleantech and policy leaders to scale up sustainable innovation.
“The UK cleantech space is exciting; credit to innovators who continue developing cutting-edge climate-positive solutions. It is uplifting, for example, to see that out of Cleantech Group’s list of ‘Global Cleantech 100’, nine of last year’s frontrunners are British in sectors such as energy/power, materials/chemicals, and transport/logistics.”
Click here to read more.
Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO & Co-Founder of TIPA
AZoCleantech also interviewed Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO & Co-Founder of TIPA. Daphne and the TIPA team are revolutionizing packaging systems to help reduce plastic pollution worldwide.
“TIPA's fully compostable flexible packaging replaces conventional plastic, turning waste into a resource and a crisis into an opportunity.”
Find the interview in this link.
Kate Melges, Greenpeace USA Plastics Project Leader Kate Melges
Finally, back in 2023, AZoCleantech spoke to Greenpeace USA Plastics Project Leader Kate Melges about the key issues around plastic pollution, including its toxicity, and how the plastics crisis could be resolved.
“Our report, Forever Toxic, highlights the threat that recycled plastics pose to the health of consumers, frontline communities, and workers in the recycling sector. Our previous research shows that very little plastic reaches recycling facilities in the first place.
We will continue to work toward achieving an effective Global Plastics Treaty that will end runaway plastic production and use.”
The interview can be found here.
References and Further Reading
UNESCO. (2025) 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science. [Online] Available at: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/2025-international-day-women-and-girls-science
UNESCO (n.d) Girls’ and women’s education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) [Online] Available at: https://www.unesco.org/en/gender-equality/education/stem