Give to Gain: The quiet power of example for women in STEM

Every year, International Women's Day offers a moment to reflect on progress and examine the responsibility that comes with it. This year's theme is Give to Gain, a concept that invites a deeper consideration of how individual actions, perhaps part of day-to-day life, can inspire progress.

This is an idea that resonates deeply with women such as myself in STEM fields. Progress in this space should never be driven solely by policy or programmes, but by the collective and accumulative efforts of women who lead with purpose and remain visible in workplaces where they have traditionally been underrepresented. 

It's easy to assume that meaningful contributions to women in STEM require lots of grand initiatives. We often point to mentoring programmes, advocacy efforts, or sponsorship plans, each valuable and worth celebrating.  Experience has shown me that there is also power in a quieter form of giving. By doing our jobs consistently and diligently, we often give back more than we realise.  

The reality is that women in STEM are underrepresented and most of us are acutely aware of this imbalance. This can naturally make us feel more scrutinised and can bring with it a good deal of self-questioning along with a heightened sense of responsibility to continually prove ourselves. 

Early in my career, my sights were set on competence and credibility. I wanted to excel by minimizing errors and building a strong professional reputation. At the time, I had no idea this concept of diligence could make a difference beyond my own job. 

However, I began to see that simply being present and doing my job well made a difference for other women in STEM. When women hold technical, scientific, or leadership roles, we expand the perception of who belongs in these spaces. We demonstrate what's possible, quietly challenging assumptions about our contribution to STEM careers.  By offering expertise and remaining visible, women help to normalise diversity in this field and create the environments in which other women can see themselves thriving. 

This may all sound rather mundane, but we risk missing the impact of this approach in every day. Representation has a direct and measurable impact on aspiration, retention and confidence. When junior colleagues see women leading complex projects, solving technical challenges, or shaping strategic decisions, it shifts expectations for everyone. The organisation benefits from broader talent and richer perspectives, while individuals see, tangibly, that they can advance as far as they aspire without encountering gender-based barriers. 

One myth about STEM is that success requires being a genius, genius or at least someone who never makes mistakes. In reality, visibility combined with authenticity is far more impactful. Demonstrating how challenges are navigated, how mistakes are addressed, and how learning continues at every stage of a career offers a more honest and sustainable model of success.  

For women already established in STEM, there is a broader obligation to recognise the influence we hold. Leadership isn't exclusive to senior titles; anyone can speak up and influence decision-making, supporting collaboration, and boosting visibility in the workplace.

This is not to suggest that businesses are absolved from responsibility. Structural barriers, unconscious bias, and uneven access to opportunity remain real and persistent challenges. This year's International Women's Day theme of Give to Gain should therefore be understood as reciprocal: progress requires action from both individual and organisation. Companies must create the conditions in which women can thrive, empowering them with equitable recruitment, inclusive cultures, transparent progression pathways, and leadership accountability. In turn, the business will benefit with an uplift in innovation, resilience, and long-term sustainability.  

This International Women's Day, let's remember that progress is often shaped by consistency. Women who show up, share their expertise, and remain visible over time create an impact that should never be underestimated. These actions give others permission to aspire, lead and imagine new possibilities for themselves. 

In embracing Give to Gain, we recognize a form of contribution from women in STEM that has long existed yet often gone unnoticed. By doing our jobs well and celebrating each other's accomplishments, we offer future generations with something invaluable: evidence that they belong.