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Five Women on Stars of Science Season 16 Lead the Charge
A New Era of Women in STEM on Qatar Foundation’s Edutainment Show
Doha, Qatar, September 29, 2024 –Five out of seven— that's the groundbreaking number of women contestants of season 16 of Stars of Science. This historic representation is more than just a statistic; it's a testament to the quiet yet powerful revolution happening in the Arab world, in the laboratories, workshops, and brilliant minds of these female innovators. This season isn't just shining a spotlight on their achievements; it's celebrating a shift in what it means to be a woman in STEM, challenging age-old gender norms, and redefining innovation in the Arab world.
Since it started, Stars of Science has supported 37 female alumna working on countless brilliant innovative ideas that would eventually become products or services. In a recent previous season, two of the three finalists were women, and for the first time, a woman—Omani scientific researcher and mother of three, Soumaiya Al Siyabi—was crowned the winner. The barriers that once seemed insurmountable are crumbling, and the women of season 16 are leading the charge.
Historically, women have faced significant barriers in STEM fields, but the Arab world is witnessing a major shift. According to UNESCO, countries like Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are seeing higher percentages of female STEM graduates than many Western nations. Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, spoke at the International Telecommunication Union's celebration of International Girls in ICT Day, focusing on the importance of enhancing and empowering women. Dr. Al Muftah noted that in 2021, women made up 70% of graduates in fields such as information systems, computer engineering, general engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and sciences. She underscored the importance of providing access to technology as a crucial element in transforming Qatar into a knowledge-based economy that is inclusive of all, including women. This surge reflects a broader societal transformation where women are increasingly seen as crucial contributors to scientific and technological advancements.
The innovative ideas from the women of Stars of Science season 16 are more than just technical achievements—they are powerful catalysts for change, addressing pressing challenges in the Arab world and beyond. From Khadidja Fellah Arbi's work in healthcare with her ‘ECG-based glucometer’, to Emma Sleiman's efforts in improving the diagnosis of ADHD in children with the ‘ADHD multimodel classifier’, their contributions are filling critical gaps in regional healthcare.
Nada Raafat Elkharashi and Mariam Montaser are setting new standards in sustainability and healthcare. Elkharashi’s strides in sustainable technology with a ‘Self-powering biosticker’ and Montaser’s ‘Testing kit for bacterial respiratory infections’ highlight the critical role that women in STEM play in addressing global issues. Sanaa Belkoutbi’s ‘Drone structure inspector inside mosques’ blending cultural preservation with modern engineering, further illustrates how women in STEM are uniquely positioned to ensure that progress does not come at the expense of heritage.
Female enrollment in STEM programs is rising and reflecting a growing recognition of women's vital role in these fields. Platforms like Stars of Science, championed by Qatar Foundation, are pivotal in driving this transformation, offering essential visibility and unwavering support that empower women to excel and lead.
As Sarah Aboerjaib, a distinguished alumna and guest mentor of Stars of Science, stated, "As women, we invent not just to create, but also to inspire. Every invention is a story of resilience, a testament to the power of imagination, and a beacon for those who dare to dream beyond boundaries."
Season 16 of Stars of Science is more than just a competition; it's the dawn of a new era. The future of STEM in the Arab world is driven by the determination of these extraordinary women. As they pave the way forward, they're not just playing the game—they're rewriting the rules. The future is female, and it has never looked more promising.
Stars of Science airs from 7 September 2024 to 19 October 2024 on five channels in the region and online. Please visit the broadcast guide for channels and timings.