Despite historic and contemporary underrepresentation in science, women have been at the forefront of ground-breaking discoveries in many scientific disciplines for centuries. Here we place the spotlight on some of these pioneering women, from Rosalind Franklin and her contributions to the discovery of DNA, to the indomitable crystallographer, Dorothy Hodgkin, and genetics experts, Barbara McClintock, and biochemist, Jennifer Doudna.

Participating in debate and public speaking competitions provides young girls with the critical thinking and research skills needed to succeed in top universities and workplaces, vastly increases their knowledge about the outside world, but most importantly endows them with the confidence and resilience needed to be successful women.