Women have been undeniable leaders and powerful forces in building the scientific foundations of society. Their contributions have laid the groundwork for revolutionary advancements, including programming, discovering the structure of DNA and genes, and demonstrating CRISPR as a gene editing tool. However, according to UNESCO statistics, girls are under-represented in STEM fields, making up only 35% of STEM graduates. Despite awareness campaigns aimed at increasing participation and recognition, women in leadership roles within STEM remain limited.
In contrast, the Gene Editors of the Future program has seen a surprising majority of women participants across all courses and levels at the University of Westminster. The women students not only engage actively in the training but also gain access to a wide range of opportunities, equipping them with the skills necessary to take on various leadership roles within the scientific community and the broader society. The program demonstrates a promising shift towards inclusion and empowerment of women in shaping the future of science and technology.