Meet Neriman Safa, a trailblazing Women in STEM scholar supported by the British Council. Hailing from a small border city in eastern Turkey, Neriman's journey to pursue her academic dreams in the UK is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Through the STEM scholarship, she's breaking barriers and inspiring others in her community to strive for excellence in STEM fields.
‘Growing up in a small border city in eastern Turkey, my life took shape among the challenges faced by my mother, who never had the opportunity to go to school and remained unaware of women's rights. Despite this, my childhood passion for science inspired me to defy societal expectations and live authentically as a woman who can pursue her dreams. Being a ‘Women in STEM’ means ‘Freedom’.
This freedom exceeds my academic pursuits; it has catalysed a transformation in my life, breaking societal barriers and changing perceptions in a male-dominated community. My father is proud of my achievements and sees what women can achieve, too.
However, there are challenges in Turkey, such as insufficient support for STEM fields, making it challenging for me to pursue my academic journey. Therefore, I decided to study in the UK, driven by the aspiration to breakbarriers, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. The UK experience has been unique, with welcoming surroundings, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to eco-friendliness, which has improved both my research capabilities and well-being.
I have been granted an exceptional opportunity to pursue my master's degree here, and this will undoubtedly be a milestone in my journey towards a PhD. I encourage women in STEM to work hard and have strong self-belief in pursuing their dreams despite the challenges. I face similar difficulties daily, but I believe it's worthwhile. I'm confident these efforts will lead to positive outcomes, adding meaning to life. I see how many people's lives I have touched in a butterfly effect, which brings me great joy. In conclusion, I draw inspiration from Emma Watson's UN speech: " If not me, who? If not now, when?"’