Celebrating women and girls in science
Wednesday 25 February 2026
Celebrating women and girls in science
Gender stereotypes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) remain deeply embedded, so much so that only 35% of STEM graduates are womenLink opens in a new window, despite women being more likely to pursue higher education than men. Changing the narrative isn’t always easy, which is why outreach events are crucial to breaking down barriers if the industry is to reduce its gender gap.
In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Wednesday 11 February 2026), the Outreach and Widening Participation team at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, hosted a special event at Coventry Transport MuseumLink opens in a new window to encourage young women to pursue science.
Over 180 female students from local primary and secondary schools came together to discover and celebrate the achievements of women, past and present, who have helped forge a path for today’s scientists, engineers, and technicians.
Participants also had the chance to be inspired by women currently working in the industry, with an empowering welcome talk by Dr Awinder KaurLink opens in a new window — Associate Professor and Head of the Digital Technologies and Machine Intelligence Group at WMG — being a particular highlight.
A champion for innovation in data science, AI, cyber security, eBusiness and games engineering, Dr Kaur commented: “It was inspiring to see so many young girls curious about science and technology. Events like this are important because representation shapes ambition.
“When girls see women leading in AI, engineering and digital innovation, they begin to see those paths as possible for themselves. The future of science depends on diverse voices, bold thinking, and the confidence to explore new ideas.”
Tours of the museum and a science fair followed, packed with hands-on STEM activities, live demonstrations and opportunities for participants to learn more about science pathways and careers. Warwick Student Project groupsLink opens in a new window, Warwick MotoLink opens in a new window and Warwick RacingLink opens in a new window, were in attendance, alongside organisations dedicated to supporting women in STEM, including Girls on Track UK Link opens in a new window— a joint initiative between the FIA and Motorsport UK.
The event closed with a Q&A session, where students heard from a panel of inspirational women about their STEM experiences. Amongst them was Megan ClementLink opens in a new window, a current PhD student at WMG specialising in plastics analysis, sorting and recycling technologies.
She said: “It was empowering to see young girls of varying backgrounds imagining their future in STEM. When students meet women leading in engineering, technology, and scientific research, it makes those pathways feel real and achievable.”
Find out more about Outreach at WMG: Public engagement & outreach | WMG | University of WarwickLink opens in a new window