Behind every Passionately Curious Woman...is a need for Inclusive Innovation and Science

My pronouns are she/her and I’m passionate and educated. Sounds pretty typical, right? But not in every corner of the world. As I grew up, we were often reminded by society about its expectations about what girls should be – to be seen, not heard; to aspire for dictated roles, not ambition. ‘It’s always the girls that have to compromise.’

The need of the hour is to unlock the doors of diversity and equality in research opportunities regardless of who they are. People from all backgrounds and gender can bring in diverse perspectives that can push the boundaries of what's possible.

I tried to follow the set of conditions imposed and fit in the mold set for me. Quitting my job was the first thing I did insisted by my in-laws against women wanting to work. It felt like I was being customized into someone I wasn't meant to be, exactly how you customize a Subway sandwich, but this was my life. I wanted to make more of it.

Offering a supportive environment and initiatives like funding, access to e-journals, courses, and entrepreneurship (through digital means) makes it easier for women in the same shoes as me to be part of scientific society for bringing amazing technological and scientific discoveries.

I went on to pursue my passion for research science to carve a path for my research journey. Innovation thrives when we provide equal opportunities and explore underexplored research territories as a team where fresh ideas can flourish encouraging collaboration among all genders. This could potentially identify outstanding women innovators and increase societal acceptance.

If I made it, so can you! Thanks to KLU. My story is meant to inspire other women facing similar obstacles in their passion for science.

Let’s be more considerate of passionate women and neither define nor dictate their terms. This would allow more diversity and equality by encouraging breakthrough ideas that can make real-life impacts.

The world is craving more female scientists. Why? Because when organizations embrace diversity, inclusive innovation, and science soar. When inclusive innovation and science soar, the digital economy prevails. When the digital economy prevails, progress follows. Future generations are then given birth by these passionate and progressive women enabling this cycle to allow room for better positive changes in the mindsets of society.

As far as I see it optimistically – this is an ongoing process – but slow and steady wins the race!

Hooria Sajjad

PhD Candidate