Uzma's story

I come from a background where education is considered a privilege for girls, and attending school can be one of the most difficult tasks.

In my community, women are often told to stay home, look after children, and fulfil domestic roles. Since childhood, I knew I wanted something different. I worked hard to prove myself to my family, and with their trust and support, I became an electronic engineer.

But that was not the end of my journey – it was just the beginning.

Navigating a male-dominated industry

Once I started working in engineering, I discovered that my true passion lay in leadership. However, it wasn’t uncommon for me to attend industry events where 99% of the attendees were men.

It was disheartening to feel that in a male-dominated environment, I might never truly flourish.

But rather than feeling discouraged, I used the experience as motivation.

Pursing higher education abroad

I was awarded the British Council Women in STEM scholarship and joined ARU to study MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I graduated in 2025.

This opportunity not only fulfilled my dream of pursuing higher education abroad – it inspired me to support other women in STEM.

Personal and professional growth

As a student I was able to attend the Women in STEM Networking Event 2025, hosted by the British Council at the University of Glasgow. It was an incredibly enriching and inspiring experience – a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Over two days, we engaged in thought-provoking discussions, skill-building sessions, and networking opportunities that deepened our understanding of gender equity in STEM.

We explored topics including gender gaps in STEM fields, gender stereotypes and bias in science and research, and the role of ED&I in creating more inclusive environments.

The power of representation

I met exceptional women from across the globe, each with unique stories of perseverance, innovation, and impact. Listening to their journeys reminded me that representation matters and that our collective voice can create real change.

The knowledge, confidence, and connections I gained have strengthened my commitment to mentoring other women in science and engineering. I aspire to take on greater leadership roles, and support initiatives that empower the next generation of women in STEM.