Let us go to the moon!
February 19by Joyce Wachau Chege
Namaste!
Mission ShakthiSAT is a global initiative by SpaceKidz India which seeks to provide free STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) training to at least 12,000 girls aged between 8 and 14 years, in 108 countries, during a 6 to 12-month timeframe.
“The power of inclusivity and shared progress is what is taking us to the moon,” said SpaceKidz India CEO Dr Srimathy Kesan during a launch meeting on January 16, 2025.
This defining moment in history proves we can indeed foster gender equity, not just in theory, but in our actions too. Fields that have for the longest time been dominated by men, are making pathways for women, redefining endless possibilities.
It is said that empowered women empower a society, and sitting through the SpaceKidz India launch meeting was truly inspiring, especially seeing strong powerful women rolling in from many nations across different timelines in support of the initiative. I got to affirm that dreaming big and getting the necessary support is all one needs to be able to make the change the world needs. I also found this fascinating, because all the physics, quantum theory and string theory I watched on American TV sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’ is starting to make immense sense now.
You can go to space, I can go space, WE ALL can go to space, how exciting is that?
One thing was quite clear with every speaker and everyone that was present during the unfolding of this vision: information is a right, not privilege. The initiative is not bound to one demographic but is instead very accommodating to young girls from all over. It sends a strong message that diplomacy and advocacy are contributing factors to achieving great things.
Inclusivity and shared progress among women from all over have provided a groundbreaking moment for space exploration. Women in STEM is showing us that space exploration is becoming a backyard activity. You can go to space, I can go space, WE ALL can go to space, how exciting is that?
“More than 50 per cent of people in STEM are women, and so are the PHDs. Women coming together like this to spread knowledge, means preservation of life,” said Jelena Begovic, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation in Serbia.
The wind under our wings as women is so strong! I am ecstatic that we are continuously breaking the glass ceiling, and the impact is being felt and seen.
Women led projects are proof of what we can achieve once we break barriers. Through them, space talk and studies will not only be confined in books, but will be experienced in real time, whether one is in the technology field or not. The future looks bright, not only for women, but everyone.
Photo credits: SpaceKidz Zoom Meeting.
