International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Hear from our people

On the importance of inspiring the next generation of women in STEM, Dr. Uyai Ikpatt, Research & Technology Manager, Consumer Care tells us:

“My role at Croda consists of using automation and robotics to test new ingredients, which in turn can be found in your everyday products at home. Science allows me to be inquisitive, to explore how things work and why. I love telling a story through data, turning large datasets into something easily understood. Every day, I learn something new and collaborate with experts from different teams to achieve a common goal.

"I’m not sure where my passion for science came from, but I do remember always having my head buried in a book. People assumed I was clever because I read so much, and eventually, I started to believe it. I loved biology, chemistry, and even a bit of physics, especially when I could apply theories in the lab.

"I know that representation matters. It’s hard to strive to be something you don’t see in everyday life. The barriers for women in STEM, whether cultural, industry-specific, or personal, are real, and one size does not fit all. Truly understanding the unique barriers depending on where in the world we are and outreach or mentorship programmes to try and tackle these with women from various backgrounds and experiences is what I see as key.  Also providing opportunities for our young girls and women to shine and celebrating their achievements no matter how small will go a long way. 

"To any girl wondering if she belongs in science, I would say: Why not you? Your uniqueness means you have something different to contribute. Growing up in Nigeria, I didn’t see scientists who looked like me in the media. But my mother, who couldn’t complete her education, was my inspiration. She taught me the importance of learning, and I became the first in my family to earn a degree. Now, my two daughters are studying STEM subjects in higher education."

Focused on creating opportunities for the next generation of women in STEM, Jessica Otter, Graduate Trainee Application Scientist, explains:

"As a Graduate Trainee Application Scientist, my role is incredibly versatile. I spend time in the lab working on projects, communicate my findings with different teams, and even attend external events like conferences. Every day brings something new, and that variety is what makes my job so exciting.

"I’ve always loved discovering how and why things work, and a career in science allows me to pursue that passion as part of my job. I’m constantly learning new things about the world around me, and the ability to apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems is something I love.

“Having the opportunity to study science at school fed into my natural curiosity for the world around me and over time this developed into something I was passionate about. But I know that access to these opportunities isn't universal, and the gender gap in STEM is still very real. While progress is being made, we need to continue pushing for change.

“We all have a role to play in creating an environment where girls feel supported and encouraged to pursue science. Whether it’s through mentoring younger family members or getting involved in STEM outreach programs, every effort counts in making the field more inclusive."

Juliana Siqueria, Research & Technology Manager, Crop Protection, LATAM, tells us about how her experience of leading with purpose can inspire the next generation of women. Hear more below:

"I lead a team of brilliant scientists dedicated to developing technologies that contribute to a more sustainable agriculture. It’s incredibly rewarding to work on innovations that can have a real, positive impact on the world.

"One of my favourite aspects of my role is the opportunity to apply both my technical expertise and leadership skills. I get to support people’s development while driving purposeful initiatives that contribute to business growth. Collaborating with teams across the globe to find innovative solutions that set us apart is truly amazing and solving complex problems and making a tangible impact on people’s lives is what keeps me motivated every day.

"There is a gender gap in STEM for many reasons, including social expectations and the historical lack of female role models. While progress is happening, we still need to do more. I believe that showcasing female role models, encouraging young girls to pursue STEM careers, providing mentorship, and ensuring equal opportunities, are crucial steps toward changing this narrative.

"To any girl considering a career in STEM: If you're passionate about it, take that first step and don’t let fear of potential roadblocks hold you back. Trust your instincts, be kind to yourself, and stay true to who you are. Your unique qualities are your superpowers, and they will help you thrive and make a difference in any STEM field you choose."


On breaking the barriers in STEM, Dr. Marta Dobrowolska-Haywood, Head of Data Science and Knowledge Management, tells us: 

"With a background in chemistry, I’ve always loved understanding how things work. Now, as Head of Data Science and Knowledge Management, I ensure valuable knowledge and data are organised, accessible, and used to drive innovation. In simple terms, I help turn data into insights that make a difference."

"My favourite part of my role is the sense of discovery - finding patterns in data, solving complex problems, and turning information into valuable insights. Science and technology are always evolving, and I love that my work allows me to keep learning and contributing to meaningful progress. It’s about asking big questions and finding practical solutions that can have a real-world impact. The idea that my work could advance technology, improve health, or deepen our understanding of the world makes it incredibly fulfilling.

"My passion for science started at a young age. I was always fascinated by how things worked, and a lot of that came from my dad, who was constantly fixing things. I got my first microscope when I was seven and spent hours exploring the tiny details of the world around me. That curiosity turned into a love for science, and as I learned more, I saw how STEM could be used to solve complex problems. From that moment on, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue.

"The gender gap in STEM is deeply rooted in historical biases, societal expectations, and a lack of representation. My older brother, a chemistry professor, was a strong influence in my journey, but his experiences also made me aware of how male-dominated these fields can be. More recently, returning from maternity leave has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges women face in balancing career progression with personal responsibilities.

"In fields like chemistry and data science, increasing the visibility of women in leadership roles is crucial to changing this narrative. The gender gap isn’t just about getting women into STEM; it’s about creating an environment where they can thrive, stay, and lead. To truly make a difference, we need better representation, stronger mentorship, and policies that promote inclusivity and equity at every level.

"To any girl considering a career in STEM: curiosity, determination, and boldness are your greatest strengths. If you're passionate about discovering the unknown, creating new possibilities, or solving complex problems, the world needs your unique perspective! Don’t be afraid to take up space, ask the tough questions, and challenge the status quo. The future of STEM depends on diverse voices, and you have the power to shape that future. Embrace your potential - you belong here, and your ideas can change the world.

"My greatest inspiration has always been Marie Sklodowska-Curie, earning two Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity. Despite facing significant challenges as a woman in science, she persevered and revolutionised our understanding of the field. One of her quotes has always resonated with me: ‘Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.’ Her resilience and interest of knowledge continue to inspire me every day."

Dr. Kathryn Knight, Research and Applications Director, tells us her opinions on changing the narrative in STEM:

"My role mostly involves leading research teams who are delivering innovative science solutions to meet our customers’ needs. Every day, I have the opportunity to work with brilliant scientists, explore new discoveries, and drive innovation forward. 

"For me, the most exciting thing about working in science is the endless desire to learn and discover. Finding solutions to real-world problems and knowing that our work can improve people’s lives is what makes science so rewarding.

"My passion for science started at a very young age. I was always fascinated by how things worked, and my first chemistry set only fuelled that curiosity. I was fortunate to have an incredible chemistry teacher who encouraged me to take triple science, which ultimately led me to pursue a PhD in Chemistry. Chemistry has always challenged my thinking, and I love that it is at the core of everything.

"I think that there has always been a stereotype around being labelled a scientist, in what is stereotypically a male dominated field, conjuring up images of white lab coats and safety specs, as well as science being perceived as ‘hard’. I want girls and women out there looking to embark on a career in STEM to know with hard work and self-belief you absolutely can!

"Young girls need to see that there are many successful women in science, I have the pleasure of working alongside a bunch of them every day. There are so many amazing roles that a scientist can do with infinite possibilities for a fulfilling career.

"My biggest inspiration has always been my mum. She was a teacher, raised two daughters while working full-time, and taught me the importance of strength and perseverance. I’m also incredibly grateful for the mentors who have guided me at every stage of my career.

JingXuan Wee, Graduate Trainee, discusses her experiences so far in her career and the possibilities we have around empowering women in STEM:

"As a graduate trainee on the technical route, I rotate through different roles supporting Research & Technology (R&T). My first rotation is in Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs (PSRA), where I view R&T from a regulatory perspective to aid in streamlining the process for new product development.

"What I love most about my role is seeing how science directly improves people’s wellbeing and everyday lives. Being able to support R&T from different critical functions makes my work meaningful. Science is about discovering new possibilities, pushing boundaries, and constantly improving the way we understand and interact with the world.

"The gender gap in STEM has existed for a long time and while progress is being made, we can do more. Initiatives like mentorship programs, hands-on workshops, and ‘day-in-the-life’ experiences for young girls can expose them to the possibilities in STEM, inspiring them to choose careers based on passion rather than outdated stereotypes. To girls considering a career in STEM, I’d say, follow your aspirations and stay curious!

"My biggest inspiration has always been my mother. She is someone who perseveres and gives her best in everything, whether for our family or in her career. Her determination and strength continue to inspire me every day."

Our commitment to STEM

The stories shared by these remarkable women highlight the passion, perseverance, and impact of female scientists. By increasing representation and mentorship, and creating inclusive opportunities, we can inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in STEM. 

At Croda we are committed to creating an environment where women in STEM can thrive, offering mentorship, development programs, and opportunities to play a key role in our purpose of using Smart science to improve lives™.