These six women are engineering a greener tomorrow. Have you heard of them?

In 2024, we’re at a crossroads. Our need for sustainability progress is greater than ever – but we can only advance by harnessing every fiber of humanity’s scientific brilliance.

Make no mistake: right now, we need every innovator we can get, and to support each other on the road ahead. We need a scientific community teeming with diversity of thought – with gifted people who see what others can’t.

When it comes to gender diversity, however, I think we’re at a tipping point. Longstanding concerns about systemic barriers, biases, and underrepresentation are still with us, with the number of female researchers worldwide remaining below 30%.

And now, we’re seeing other trends moving in the wrong direction. Social media is fueling a new wave of misogyny, while major companies are reducing their diversity and inclusion budgets. Looking at 2024 so far, it feels like we’re risking all the progress we’ve made in recent years.

So, as we celebrate International Day of Women & Girls in Science (IDWGIS) and reflect on this year’s theme of sustainability, I’m using my voice and platform to salute every woman on the frontlines of science. In particular, I want to spotlight six women tackling the biggest scientific challenge of all: the health and future of our planet.

Are you ready to meet these green pioneers?

Our tour begins in sunny Spain, with Marta Canada?– the visionary co-founder of Abora Energy. Under her capable leadership, Abora is developing the world’s most cost-effective solar panels and accelerating the energy transition. ?Qué inspiración!

Speaking of star power, let’s hear it for Hayat Sindi!?Her non-profit, Diagnostics for All, creates inexpensive diagnostic devices with a low environmental impact – innovations that have revolutionized healthcare in developing countries. Oh, and she’s the first woman to sit on Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council.

As Ahlstrom CEO, material science is a topic close to my heart – and that’s why I simply have to mention Nzambi Matee. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Nzambi is renowned for converting waste into sustainable materials, such as recycling plastic into bricks that can be stronger than concrete. Her story reminds us of the dedication, drive, and creativity needed to achieve material science breakthroughs.

Of course, there are plenty of great scientific minds at Ahlstrom too! Let me tell you briefly about three. They’re all innovating for a sustainable future. They all happen to be female. And I’m proud to call each of them my colleague.

?-?????? Raoudha Haddad, who’s currently developing a safe and sustainable battery separation solution for energy storage applications so playing our role in the global transition to safe energy storage solutions.

-?????? Charlène Reverdy, an expert in sustainable food packaging solutions with improved barrier properties, front running in the world of sustainable food packaging.

-?????? Emilie Picard, who contributed to the development?of home compostable solutions for the beverage business, developing end of life sustainable alternatives.

All these women, from Ahlstrom and beyond, exemplify the theme of this year’s IDWGIS: “Women & Girls in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability”. Still, I realize this list is just a snapshot. To write the whole story, we need to do it together.

So please, drop a comment and celebrate a woman who’s making sustainability a reality.

And together, let’s keep lifting up female scientists all over the world, and building a future where everyone’s talent can shine!

#WomeninScience #WomenInSTEM #GirlsinScience #ScienceForAll #ChooseScience

https://www.ahlstrom.com/careers/diversity-equity-inclusion/ and?https://www.un.org/en/observances/womhttps://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-dayen-and-girls-in-science-day

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