By Kritagya Regmi
Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day—a day that resonates deeply with women and girls across the globe. This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” calls for equal rights, power, and opportunities for everyone, aiming for a feminist future where no one is overlooked. The day reflects this vision and highlights individuals like Jannat Murtaza, whose ambitions and achievements embody the spirit of progress.
Breaking Barriers in STEM
Jannat, a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) in Peshawar, Pakistan, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Water Engineering and Management (WEM) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). Her journey is one of empowerment and potential, perfectly aligning with this year’s theme. Awarded a prestigious master’s scholarship under the gender component of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP), supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Jannat is advancing in a field crucial to global sustainability and resilience.
Hailing from a nation rich in culture yet marked by gender disparities in STEM fields, Jannat’s journey began with a passion for addressing Pakistan’s environmental challenges—a country suffering from water scarcity and devastating floods. Despite systemic barriers, she has broken stereotypes to pursue a career in a male-dominated field, proving that women have a crucial role to play in tackling global sustainability challenges.
Empowering Change Through Knowledge
At AIT, Jannat is developing expertise in hydrological modeling, GIS-based analysis, and remote sensing—tools essential for flood risk mapping and disaster management. These technical skills play a vital role in addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
But for Jannat, knowledge is not just about personal growth; it is about creating impact. “I want my work to help policymakers, urban planners, and environmental agencies make informed decisions,” she shares. “The right data, used correctly, can save lives and protect vulnerable communities.”
From an early age, she was drawn to problem-solving and logical reasoning, which naturally led her toward STEM. Her fascination with the intersection of technology and environmental science shaped her academic and career aspirations, along with her drive to use data-driven approaches for real-world challenges.
Resilience in a Male-Dominated Field
Jannat’s journey in STEM has been anything but easy. Like many women in science and engineering, she has faced challenges in proving her expertise. “There were times I had to work twice as hard just to be taken seriously,” she admits. “But I refused to let societal norms dictate my potential.”
Her experiences have made her a strong advocate for gender equality in science and technology. She hopes to inspire more women to break stereotypes and pursue careers in STEM. “Diversity in science leads to better solutions. We need more women bringing their perspectives to the table.” With the support of mentors and inspiration from trailblazers like Arfa Karim—Pakistan’s youngest computer prodigy—Jannat is moving ahead—not just for herself but for the many young women who will follow in her footsteps.
A Supportive Network for Women in STEM
At AIT, Jannat has found a supportive and diverse academic environment that has enriched both her personal and professional growth. “One of the most significant ways AIT has empowered me is through the ADB scholarship in collaboration with KPCIP. It has not only provided financial support but also created a strong network of 30 other women in different fields who share the same aspirations. We uplift each other.”
This community has reinforced her belief in the power of representation. She strongly believes that when young girls see women thriving in STEM, they begin to see possibilities for themselves.
A Vision for the Future
Jannat’s ambitions extend beyond academia. With a firm commitment to sustainable water management, she plans to return to Pakistan and contribute to projects addressing water scarcity and disaster resilience. She envisions collaborating with various organizations to implement solutions that empower local communities—especially women—to lead in water governance and climate action. She is also passionate about breaking barriers for women in STEM. By mentoring young girls and advocating for gender-inclusive policies, she hopes to create a more equitable space for future generations.
A Message to Young Women and Girls
For young girls aspiring to make a difference, Jannat shares a powerful message: “Never underestimate the power of your dreams. Your voice, your ideas, your talents—they all matter. Whether in STEM, the arts, or social change, you have the power to leave a lasting impact. Surround yourself with supportive people, embrace challenges, and keep pushing forward. Confidence comes with experience, and every step you take brings you closer to your goals.”
Celebrating Women Leading Change
As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Jannat Murtaza’s story serves as a powerful reminder that women in STEM are catalysts for global progress. Despite challenges, they continue to push boundaries, drive innovation, and create lasting change.
On International Women’s Day, let’s go beyond celebration. Let’s invest in women and girls, support their ambitions, and actively create a world where every woman and girl can thrive.
