In the words of Marharyta Meleshkova: “We can reach any height. The main thing is to overcome the stereotypical barriers that exist only in our heads”

“My path in science began in 2016 when I was in the 8th grade at Mariupol Technical Lyceum. I was very interested in biology and ecology. Under the leadership of my biology teacher, I increased my knowledge in various fields of biology, from botany to bionics, which helped me decide to research the bioremediation (1) of soils after pollution by petroleum products using binary composites. This topic is more important and relevant than ever because almost every day [there are news reports] that oil products are spilled somewhere in the world. You don’t have to be a scientist to understand the negative impact on our planet and human health.

As a representative of Generation Z, I am very aware of my connection to the world around me. It motivates me to respect every living thing in this world, sort garbage, and help everyone who needs it. When I had the opportunity to change something for the better, I decided that I should try.

I plan to make some significant adjustments to my research to increase our binary composite’s efficiency. I would also like to conduct more extensive field trials, then find investors and launch my binary composite.

I have attended many environmental forums, competitions and conferences during my school and college years, both in Ukraine and abroad. Most of the time I had to face disbelief that I did everything myself. It is said that a girl cannot work with oil and, ‘oh my God’, dig the ground. It is still difficult to hear doubts about my achievements only because I was born a girl. However, fortunately for me, ecology is a science where women predominate.

The Stem is Fem project, supported by UN Women, became my best discovery. While studying in high school, this project helped me meet amazing girls and women who are passionate about what they do and encourage others. For me, it’s important to feel that I am not alone. There are many women trailblazing scientists who are now conquering new heights and I can ask them for advice or just be in this atmosphere and get inspired to continue my work. In order to encourage as many girls and women as possible to pursue a career in innovation, it is vital to stress that there are no purely female or male occupations. There is no intellectual difference between a man and a woman – IQ, persistence and success do not depend on the Y chromosome. We can reach any height. The main thing is to overcome the stereotypical barriers that exist only in our heads.”

Stem is Fem is a Ukrainian youth-led non-profit initiative supported by UN Women in Ukraine that promotes learning and careers for women and girls in science, innovation and technology.

(1) Bioremediation is a set of methods for purifying water, soil and the atmosphere using the metabolic potential of living organisms