Have you ever been told, “That’s a boys’ thing”?
On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a story emerges that perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation and determination that characterizes the new generation of female scientists. It is the story of how a simple question – “Who wants to participate in an engineering project?” – gave birth to an initiative aimed at improving life on the H-FARM International School campus.
Science Has No Gender
At the center of this story is Risa Martignon, an MYP 5 student, who, together with her team, almost entirely composed of girls, decided to take on an ambitious challenge: designing an assisted mobility vehicle to make the campus more accessible for everyone. But the project represents much more than a practical solution to a concrete problem. It is a tangible demonstration of how young women are redefining their role in STEM fields, bringing a fresh and inclusive perspective to a domain traditionally dominated by men.
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It all started with the support of their STEM teacher, Mr. Amr, who provided them with materials and guided them through the first steps. But from there, it was the group of students who took charge of the project, working on it during their lunch breaks.
The problem to address was clear: the vastness of the campus makes mobility difficult for those with physical disabilities, and the available e-scooters are not a solution for everyone. With ingenuity and determination, Risa and her team decided to design an innovative vehicle.
After finding an instruction manual, the students divided tasks and began assembling the vehicle. Every phase of the process presented challenges but also opportunities for growth and creativity, where problem-solving became the key skill. “We have almost completed the basic model, but we had a small setback: one of the tires burst due to excessive pressure! We tried to fix it with electrical tape, which did not work at all, but it was worth trying. And then we ordered a new one because we realized it wasn’t a problem we could fix,” Risa says with a smile.
Beyond the engineering aspect, the project was a true exercise in creativity and teamwork, integrating different skills to create a vehicle that was not only functional but also well-designed. The division of tasks between those responsible for construction and those handling design allowed both engineering and artistic knowledge to be valued, creating a synergy between technique and aesthetics.
“We worked on the support structures to make the seat more stable and capable of holding more weight,” Risa explains, highlighting the importance of experimentation and teamwork.
But the team’s dream does not stop here. If the vehicle proves effective, the next step could be its reproduction or further design improvements to expand the project’s impact. “Even if our work doesn’t change the world, if it can make a difference for someone in our community, it will have been truly valuable.”
For Risa, who dreams of studying nuclear physics, this project is just the beginning of a broader journey toward change. A transformation that starts in the classroom and aims to inspire other young minds to follow their passion for science, regardless of gender.
Risa Martignon
“Growing up, I heard about great scientists like Einstein and Dirac, while for women, the names mentioned were always the same: Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin. I want to change this narrative; I want to prove that girls can excel in science just as much as boys.”
Risa Martignon
“H-FARM and the IB system definitely helped me by giving me the space to create because here I got the opportunity to experience different subjects, like STEM Plus, which, as far as I know, only exists at H-FARM. This really helped me build the idea of engineering and realize that I actually really like building things. I think if I had stayed in my old school or if I hadn’t come to H-FARM and been in this very multi-curricular IB system, I probably wouldn’t have pursued this path.”
This determination also reflects her desire to inspire other young women to pursue scientific careers. “In robotics competitions, we often see projects that seem geared only toward boys. I hope our work can truly encourage more girls to participate in STEM activities.”
Risa Martignon and her team’s project is concrete proof of how passion, ingenuity, and collaboration can transform an idea into something tangible and useful. With their initiative, they are not only improving life within their school but also paving new paths for young women who want to pursue careers in science and engineering. A true celebration of the spirit of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
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