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Celebrating Women in STEM: International Women’s Day

#InspireInclusion on International Women’s Day

As we celebrate International Women’s Day tomorrow, we would like to introduce some of the inspiring women working at NCEO. Today, we speak with Khadijeh Rahmani, Shrijana Poudel, and Dr. Natalie Douglas about their professional journey, challenges, and advice for women wanting to progress in their respective fields.

Their stories reflect the power of perseverance, the value of mentorship, and the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for the next generation of scientists. The theme for International Women’s Day this year is #AccelerateAction, while the number of women working in STEM is growing, there are still significant challenges with the gender pay gap and employee turnover which need to be actioned as a priority.

While one day of celebration is not enough to break down the barriers women face, at NCEO, we recognise that tackling complex environmental challenges requires diverse perspectives. We remain committed to fostering inclusivity and supporting women in science every day.

Khadijeh Rahmani

Research Project Manager, King’s College London

Khadijeh Rahmani, Research Project Manager at NCEO King’s College London Earth Observation and Wildfire Research Group shares the challenges she has faced throughout her career:

“Like many professionals, I have encountered various challenges in my career, particularly in navigating complex projects, managing competing priorities, and ensuring effective collaboration among diverse teams. While these challenges are part of any professional journey, I have also noticed that, at times, being a woman does come with additional hurdles. There have been moments where I felt the need to work harder to prove my expertise or assert my voice in discussions. However, I have been fortunate to work with supportive colleagues and mentors who value skills and contributions above all else.

Over the years, I have seen positive progress in the representation of women in project management and research administration. More women are stepping into leadership roles, and there is a growing recognition of the value of diverse perspectives. However, achieving true gender balance, particularly in senior positions, remains a challenge. Breaking down unconscious biases and ensuring equal access to leadership opportunities is essential. Mentorship, networking opportunities, and policies that promote work-life balance will play a critical role in driving sustainable change.”

Her advise for other women who are starting their career paths is:

Believe in your abilities, seek mentors, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. One thing I wish I had known earlier is that challenges and setbacks are part of every career journey, but they should never make you question your worth. Your contributions matter, whether you are directly in STEM or working in a supporting role. Progress in any field is a result of collaboration, diverse perspectives, and strong leadership—so advocate for yourself and keep pushing forward.
Khadijeh Rahmani
Research Project Manager, King’s College London

Natalie Douglas

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Reading

Dr. Natalie Douglas, a NCEO Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Reading whose work focuses on Data Assimilation, in Land Surface Modelling explains how she started her career in Science and the challenges she faced balancing work with home life:

“My career trajectory was influenced by my female maths teacher in school and a male professor who encouraged me to pursue a PhD. When I first started, most of my professors and senior colleagues were men. Now, there is a much more even balance, with more women in senior positions. One of the research groups I am part of is mostly female, which shows the positive changes happening in the field.

The biggest challenge I have faced is balancing life as a researcher and a mother. My daughter is two years old, and coordinating work, meetings, and conferences around nursery schedules is challenging but rewarding. Achieving a strong work-life balance is essential.

I am excited about the future of research at NCEO and my own professional journey. I look forward to the opportunities ahead—girl power!”

Her advice for other women who wish to grow their career is:

I wish I had known that men are more likely to go for promotions sooner than women. My advice is to have your next career step in mind early on and work towards it from the outset.
Natalie Douglas
NCEO Postdoctoral Researcher University of Reading

Shrijana Poudel

PhD Student, University of Leicester – Space Park Leicester

Shrijana Poudel, a NCEO PhD student, originally from Nepal shares with us what influenced her career path to study forests and her academic journey so far:

“Nepal is home to abundant forest resources and rich biodiversity. I had always been keen on preserving these valuable forest resources. The motivation to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to preserve these valuable forest resources has guided my career path.

Through the Erasmus Mundus program and my NCEO PhD scholarship, I have been fortunate enough to receive pastoral support and academic resources that are vital for my personal and career growth as a researcher. However, I am aware that women in science, particularly in technology-driven fields, often face hurdles in accessing opportunities and being recognised for their contributions.

Shrijana shares her thoughts on how the representation of women in science has increased depending on regions:

“In regions where people have easier access to education and opportunities, more women are pursuing science – a field that was traditionally perceived to be male-dominated. However, in extremely rural areas, where meeting basic needs is a challenge, patriarchal norms and lack of access to education continue to limit women’s participation in science. Bridging this gap not only requires raising awareness about the importance of women’s education but also active support from privileged communities and institutions to make education accessible for everyone.”

She offers some words of support and encouragement:

My advice to women starting their careers in STEM is to be more confident and believe in their potential. The journey can feel overwhelming at times, especially in technical fields, but it’s important to remember that it is a journey of growth, perseverance, and resilience. Don’t hesitate to ask for help – it’s completely okay to make mistakes. Mistakes and setbacks should be seen as opportunities to learn and improve rather than a reflection of personal worth. With the right support system, a curious mindset, and unwavering belief in your potential, anything is possible.
Shrijana Poudel
NCEO PhD Student, University of Leicester

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