On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, achievements, and invaluable contributions of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Despite decades of efforts toward gender equality, the idea that girls are less interested in STEM fields still persists, and women in STEM professions are often seen as exceptions. To challenge these stereotypes and inspire the next generation, the special exhibition “Women in STEM” was inaugurated on February 12 at the EXPERIMINTA ScienceCenter in Frankfurt.
This exhibition serves as a powerful testament to the talent and determination of women in STEM by showcasing 40 inspiring women from various scientific and technical fields. Through their personal experiences, successes, and challenges, these women share their journeys—from childhood dreams to professional achievements—motivating young girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, and engineering. The exhibition is also supported by an Instagram campaign (@frauen.in.mint), which aims to highlight more role models in STEM over the long term.
Inauguration and Symposium: A Platform for Exchange and Inspiration
The exhibition was inaugurated with an inspiring symposium attended by over 100 guests, creating a platform for discussion, networking, and exchange. The event was opened by the patron of the exhibition, Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus, Hessian Minister for Digitalization and Innovation, who emphasized the key role of curiosity in shaping careers in STEM.
“The driving force behind all innovations, disruptions, and discoveries is curiosity. And women are said to be a little more curious. So why shouldn’t more women live out their curiosity in STEM professions?” – Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus
The symposium also featured a panel discussion with distinguished speakers, including:
• Bawa Syed Mubarak, Consul General of the Republic of India in Frankfurt
• Susanne Haus, President of the Chamber of Crafts Frankfurt-Rhein-Main
• Prof. Dr. Dorothée Weber-Bruls, President of the Physical Society
• Dr. Jahnavi Phalkey, Managing Director of the Science Gallery Bengaluru
The discussion focused on the barriers women face in STEM fields, the importance of mentorship, and the need for greater representation of women in leadership roles.
“It’s about exchanging ideas and looking at how women can be empowered to go into supposedly unusual professions. How can we network as women? How can we support each other?” – Susanne Haus
Consul General Bawa Syed Mubarak also underscored the growing role of women in STEM, particularly in India, where they are making significant contributions in research, development, and start-ups.
Powerful Stories and Personal Journeys
In addition to the panel discussion, the symposium featured keynote speeches from nine women who shared their personal career paths, highlighting both their achievements and the obstacles they faced. Their stories covered topics such as:
• Making courageous career choices, such as choosing an apprenticeship as a carpenter over a traditional academic path
• The challenges of entering male-dominated fields, including the struggles of securing an apprenticeship as a woman
• Overcoming self-doubt in technical and scientific studies
• Addressing difficult working conditions for women in STEM, such as the lack of maternity protection for self-employed professionals
“The stories of these powerful women and their life paths were not only inspiring, but also personally touching.” – Dr. Andrea Gassmann, Co-initiator and Managing Director of the EXPERIMINTA ScienceCenter
A Call to Action: Encouraging More Women in STEM
The exhibition aims to highlight the diversity and commitment of women in STEM professions and emphasize how their contributions drive innovation and economic growth. By presenting authentic and personal interviews, the exhibition provides insights into the experiences of women in various STEM fields and serves as a source of inspiration for young girls considering similar career paths.
“I hope that girls and young women will find inspiration and role models through the exhibition that will encourage them to consider similar career paths.” – Dr. Sandra Formella Zimmermann, Curator of the exhibition
The project is a joint initiative of the EXPERIMINTA ScienceCenter and the VDI district association Frankfurt-Darmstadt, supported by the Academy of Crafts Schloss Raesfeld, Fraunhofer India, and in collaboration with the Science Gallery in Bangalore.
The exhibition will be on display at the EXPERIMINTA ScienceCenter in Frankfurt until April 23, 2025, before going on tour to other locations. More details can be found on the official website: EXPERIMINTA ScienceCenter (https://www.experiminta.de/ausstellung/frauen-in-mint)
Celebrating Women in STEM on International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, this exhibition serves as a powerful reminder that curiosity, determination, and talent know no gender. By dismantling stereotypes and fostering a culture of encouragement, we can inspire more young girls to explore STEM careers.
Let’s continue to champion women in STEM, create opportunities for the next generation, and celebrate the countless contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Happy International Women’s Day!
