Female scientists making their mark on space exploration
Since time immemorial, humans have been mesmerized by the mysteries of outer space. Contributions by Arab scientists in the arena of space exploration have been deemed as nothing short of dazzling and a trail of discoveries and inventions by Arab and Muslim scientists throughout history have fueled a wave of innovations in the space ecosystem.
For instance, in the eighth century, Abbasid caliph Al-Ma’mun ordered the establishment of the first astronomical observatory in the Islamic world, within the renowned House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Another example is the pioneering 10th-century Syrian female astronomer Mariam Al-Astrulabi, who perfected the usage of astrolabes, instruments which are used to calculate the position of celestial bodies in the sky. It is no wonder that, today, more than 165 stars have names of Arabic origin and 24 craters on the moon are named after prominent Muslim astronomers.
The fascination with space exploration remains strong, with the Arab world investing heavily in world-class space programs, including many far-reaching contributions driven by female scientists. Sarah bint Yousef Al-Amiri, the UAE’s minister of state for public education and advanced technology, is chairwoman of both the UAE Space Agency and the UAE Council of Scientists. Last year, she was chosen by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world for leading the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope probe), which made the UAE the fifth country in the world to reach Mars and the first Arab country to launch an interplanetary space mission.
Saudi Arabia last month announced its plan to send its first female astronaut to the International Space Station during the second quarter of 2023. Rayyanah Barnawi, a research laboratory specialist with nine years’ experience in cancer stem cell research, possesses a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Alfaisal University. Another woman, Mariam Fardous, is one of the backup astronauts for the mission.
With the emergence of a notable generation of Arab female scientists, such developments raise an important question on how to encourage more women to contemplate careers in the space sector. Governments looking to compete in this sector will benefit from embracing the unique value that talented female scientists bring to the space industry and, in consequence, stay ahead of the curve on both capabilities and innovations.
The foray into space starts as early as possible by engaging parents, carers and educators in a concerted effort to create intense interest among young girls in space topics. There is an abundance of child-friendly space content available for parents to help foster a love for the sciences, including books, toys, activities, workshops, games, training and documentaries. Many online learning resources target children’s learning, such as the Smithsonian Science Education Center, European Space Agency Kids and NASA Space Place, and it is worthwhile translating these into the Arabic language.
For more immersive experiences, children are encouraged to visit children’s clubs, dedicated space academies, space museums and observatories. In tandem with this engagement is the importance of regular positive messaging and encouragement about pursuing careers in the space sector.
Policymakers should also focus on improving STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — education in schools. These subjects are considered launchpads for pursuing advanced education in colleges and universities. It is vital that teachers are enrolled in special professional training programs that equip them with the skills to deliver exciting and relevant space-related classes, with a special emphasis on encouraging girls to pursue advanced STEM courses.
Classes and projects should be experimental, hands-on and collaborative in order to nurture essential skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking and imagination. Teachers could also encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities or school holiday programs, in addition to participating in space-themed projects, contests and exhibitions. In high school, career counsellors could further offer practical advice on pursuing higher education and career pathways in the space sector. At university, employing female faculty members can give students inspiring role models. Furthermore, offering female students opportunities to participate in global exchange programs and attend conferences can also improve their capabilities.
An interesting case study on embedding space studies into the national curriculum can be seen in Australia, where Boeing helped to design lesson plans targeting students in years seven to 10 at two pilot schools. Dubbed the Future U program, Boeing staff, in collaboration with teachers, delivered a series of classes that allowed students to be immersed in the world of space, giving them an understanding of its practicalities and scenarios, explaining the nuances of pursuing a space career pathway, and trying some space-related experiments.
The portrayal of successful female astronomers in mass media is a fantastic way of inspiring budding scientists to contemplate careers as astronomers. Meaningful contact with female astronomers provides students with role models and mentors and also helps students understand the breadth of skills they will need to be successful. In the same vein, mentoring programs can have an indelible influence on inspiring and supporting women to pursue space-related careers by sharing practical and empathic guidance to navigate academia and the workplace.
When designing policies that elevate job satisfaction for female scientists, policymakers must consider pay equity, well-being programs, opportunities to advance skills, formal training programs, and clear career pathways. Fundamentally, enacting flexible work-life balance policies in the space sector will contribute to improved recruitment and retainment levels among women with families to care for.
Arab women are making significant strides in the fields of space exploration. We can further expand their representation and opportunities to contribute to the space sector through ambitious and focused strategies.
Published in Arab News.