Challenges and strategies for successful leadership of women in STEM fields

Purpose Despite decades of progress, women in STEM face persistent barriers to participation, advancement, and leadership. Tackling these challenges requires customized, cross-cutting approaches that support women across all cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Methods This article aims to address these challenges through personal views and experiences as well as through the modern STEM literature. Results Overcoming hurdles that women in STEM fields face regarding advancement and leadership requires more than increasing representation, as it demands cultural and structural transformation within institutions and professional organizations. Nonlinear career paths, when embraced as opportunities for growth and resilience, can strengthen leadership capacity and redefine traditional notions of success. At the same time, the persistent risks of burnout, workplace bias, unequal caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to leadership opportunities highlight the need for supportive and inclusive work environments. Emotional intelligence, active listening, mentorship and sponsorship emerge as essential elements of a modern leadership model capable of fostering innovation, well-being, and organizational excellence. Conclusions Empowering women in STEM, and particularly in fields such as physics and medical / applied physics, requires sustained commitment from individuals, institutions, and professional societies alike.