Women in science: a different reality

The first time I heard the term “women in science” was during the induction week organised from Edinburgh Napier University. I did not quite understand its importance, but I understood the difference between two cultures. You see, I was coming from Greece where everything is different and works in a different way (if it works at all). However, I was curious to hear what this nice lady was trying to say to me.

When I discussed further with her, she informed me about the women’s community created inside the university. It was created in order to help young ladies, especially those who are in mathematics or computing science, with all kind of problems. It’s different for young ladies to be in classes which are full of men, to socialise, to understand the different mindset while trying to find their own place and fight for their knowledge and opinions.

While I was attending an undergraduate programme in Greece, I could totally see the difference in numbers at class (out of 300 people attending classes, maybe 70 were women), but it was not really important. It is often thought that women are better for different departments and not really good at technical departments and especially computer science, but this is not true.

Even if my classmates were pensive for my interest, I was really crazy about computer science. I was attending classes, continuing my studies and then the term “cyber security” invaded my life. I finally found my speciality and my big interest. I started searching and digging. However, reality in Greece does not let you try to catch your dreams. The big decision seemed inevitable. Applications for a master’s programme, tears in the airport, people you are leaving behind, the fear for the unknown — everything seems to be against you.

And then, you meet a lady who is kind enough to let you know about events that take place in order to help and inform other women about work opportunities, problems that they may face along the way and everything that they may need.

Then I understood what was different here: when you face a problem, you are not alone because a community may be there to help you.

While I was reaching the dissertation submission stage of my course, the majority of my friends had already found a job, while I was just starting the process of applications. Whenever I was discussing my fear and anxiety about not being able to find a job, their answer was “ you‘re a woman in science! You will find a job easily”. Well, maybe it should have been simple, but for me it was not. The offer came when I was not expecting it and I can’t even describe my excitement. This opportunity came not because I am a woman, but because I am a qualified graduate and because I worked really hard to gain the knowledge that I now have.

During my induction day at Adarma, I met my colleagues for the first time and they didn’t look at me like I was an alien. They expected me to be there. They helped me to adapt to the new environment and accepted me as a part of their team. I am grateful for that and I have never taken it for granted. I always considered myself a nerd and when I entered the SOC I knew I had found my place in the world.

It is really liberating to know that you are not a weirdo or an outsider. I always thought that about myself while I was always around men and boys ready to discuss and laugh with them. However, now I am only curious why all people cannot see life from a different perspective. There is nothing that separates people. They should all have the same opportunities without considering their gender, sexual preferences, nationality, skin colour, religion or whatever may be considered as a dividing factor. The only dividing factor is our interests and our choices during our lives.