From bias to bonds: challenging my bias, empowering girls and building community through science
17-year-old Kavya Kadia reflects on how a chance encounter with a young Pakistani researcher changed her outlook on scientific research, community, and women’s empowerment.
Have you ever met someone who completely changed your outlook on a belief you always held?
As a young researcher, I’ve passed on opportunities, collaboration, or even talking to people from different countries because I thought we wouldn’t get along. That was until I met a girl, named Inaya*, from Islamabad, Pakistan, who changed my perspective. She taught me that community can be found regardless of nationality. I always thought that people from different countries could not collaborate effectively. Especially a person from a country that had such a long and complex history of partition with my own country, India.
But meeting Inaya changed my mind. But meeting Inaya changed my mind. Though different in nationality, we worked together seamlessly because we were united by a common goal: making a difference in the world through science. She inspired me to see science as a unifying force that empowered us as women before anything else.
We worked together on a research project for the New York Academy of Sciences, where we developed a prototype education application to teach students about climate change. Working with extraordinary minds from Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, and Egypt, I realized that an issue as widespread as climate change required collaboration.
Working with her showed me how powerful girls can be. She faced many challenges in her life — lack of financial and academic resources — but she never gave up on her dream of becoming a scientist. She was an inspiration to me, and she showed me that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. I realized that I could do anything I wanted, regardless of my gender or background.
Encountering someone from a nation with a complex relationship with my own country, was a powerful lesson in overcoming biases. Our shared pursuit of scientific knowledge proved that collaboration knows no borders and that unity can emerge from even the most unexpected connections. It inspired me to continue pursuing a STEM education, armed with the knowledge that the challenges I face are not insurmountable obstacles, but stepping stones to growth and empowerment.
“The world needs more female scientists because diversity drives innovation, equality fosters progress, and representation inspires future generations.”
Science can empower all women, just as it has empowered me. When we work together, we can solve some of the world's most pressing problems — gender inequality, climate change, poverty —and create a more equitable future.
The world needs more female scientists because diversity drives innovation, equality fosters progress, and representation inspires future generations. When women contribute their unique perspectives, skills, and talents to the scientific community, it enriches our collective knowledge and leads to more holistic solutions to our challenges.
Fostering gender equality in scientific fields not only empowers women to pursue their passions but also sets a precedent of inclusivity in all areas of society. When young girls see successful female scientists, they are encouraged to dream big and break stereotypes.
“In the end, meeting and working alongside Inaya reaffirmed my belief that science is a force that unites and empowers people. It’s a tool that breaks down barriers. ”
The best part about researching alongside Inaya was that it shattered my misconceptions and ignited a fervor for science that I had never felt before. As I delved into our collaborative research, I realized that STEM is not just a collection of subjects; it's a gateway to new people, perspectives, and solutions for the future.
Witnessing the determination of the young Pakistani researcher, who defied the odds and embraced her passion for science, resonated deeply with me. Her story highlighted the urgency of including more young women in STEM, not just for the sake of equality, but because our perspectives and talents are vital for innovative breakthroughs.
In the end, meeting and working alongside Inaya reaffirmed my belief that science is a force that unites and empowers people. It's a tool that breaks down barriers. It can transform biases into understanding and elevate dreams into reality. I'm committed to championing the importance of diversity in STEM, advocating for the inclusion of more girls, and fostering a global community of scientists who collaborate, innovate, and drive positive change.
Editor’s note: Inaya is a pseudonym
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