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If being a woman in science is a challenge, being an international student and one-time war refugee on top of that requires exceptional determination and support. This has been the case for Masoomeh Akbari. The Afghan PhD student in mathematics and statistics, supervised by Professor Mateja Šajna, studies graph theory and its applications. Getting to this point has been a complicated process, one in which her supervisor’s role modelling and mentorship have been critical.

Someday, when we live in a more equitable, diverse and inclusive society, awareness days such as International Day of Women and Girls in Science, on February 11, might no longer be needed. Until then, let’s take the time to celebrate the women who have opened doors for future generations and inspire the girls who are thinking about walking through them.