Our school has had female presidents in Roboknights. What challenges do you think girls face in the robotics field, and how have you helped them overcome these challenges?

We have made significant progress in integrating women into STEM fields, particularly robotics, but this journey has not been without its challenges. There is still a lack of female role models in the field who young women can look up to for motivation and inspiration. Additionally, due to gender biases and stereotypes, many women experience imposter syndrome, even when they possess better skills than their male counterparts. These social barriers often restrict women to specific roles, such as design positions, even when they are capable of so much more. Roboknights, as a club, is built on the philosophy of gender equality and the belief that hard work and determination should be the only parameters of judgment, not gender or other superficial characteristics. As a teacher, I have always encouraged my students to relentlessly pursue their passion and to block out the negativity and societal limitations. I ensure that every girl participating in Roboknights receives an equal playing field and that her enthusiasm for robotics continues to thrive. From Lavanya Jose, Manjusha Roy Chaudhary and Richa Sharma in 2007, and Jasnoor Kaur and Swarnika Bhardwaj as office bearers of “Roboknights” club in 2023, we have ensured that girls took up leadership roles in this club. Today, we have female members who actively contribute and bring glory to the name of the club. At Roboknights, we take pride in nurturing the female role models of tomorrow, young women who will inspire the next generation and help revolutionise the field of robotics by breaking gender biases.