Three Cambodian women have made history by becoming the first from their nation to graduate from top Russian universities in the field of nuclear engineering and thermal physics. Overcoming challenges like language barriers, gender bias and cultural adaptation, they aim to revolutionize Cambodia’s energy landscape, dispel misconceptions about nuclear power and inspire more women into STEM fields.
In a significant stride for gender equality in the world of nuclear engineering and thermal physics, three Cambodian women have become the first from their country to graduate from esteemed Russian universities — Bauman Moscow State Technical University and the Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering.
Ky Marinet, Norng Chealina and Siv Kimly are not just graduates but also pioneers who have overcome obstacles of language, culture and gender stereotypes in the male-dominated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) industry. Their journeys are an embodiment of the spirit of resilience, progress and transformation.
While Marinet had to grasp Russian, an entirely foreign language, before initiating her program, Chealina confronted frequent gender bias that sought to limit her potential. Kimly similarly had to adapt to the Russian language, all while acclimating to the new culture and extreme winter conditions.
Their motivation stemmed from a vision of nuclear power as a reliable energy source, and a desire to push the boundaries of science. All three women also battled the challenges of adapting to Russian academia and managing financial constraints. Marinet, fueled by curiosity, and Kimly, inspired by her passion for physics, were keen to explore the potential of nuclear power for their developing nation.
Chealina has her sights set on fostering a generation of skilled professionals who can pioneer technological advancements and propose innovative solutions for Cambodia’s energy issues.
These trailblazers aim to dispel misconceptions around nuclear power in Cambodia, where it is frequently associated with destructive atomic bombs. They champion education as a critical tool to dispel fears and promote informed dialogue about nuclear power’s potential benefits in the country.
Khoeun Chanto of CamAtom, a company committed to nuclear skills learning and knowledge dissemination, underlined the need for public education about civilian nuclear science and urged partnerships for capacity building and human resource development.
Post-studies, Marinet and Kimly are gearing up for further education, while Chealina is contemplating continuing her education in Russia. They all understand the value of nuclear power in bolstering Cambodia’s energy sector, health and other related areas. They strongly advocate for increased scholarships and financial aid for students eager to explore these fields.
Their achievement represents a victory for every young girl in Cambodia dreaming of making a mark in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through their stories, they hope to spark discussions around energy sustainability, gender equality and the future of education, inspiring others to dream big and break societal norms.
Their remarkable journeys symbolize a future where women lead scientific innovation, emphasizing the importance of resilience, passion and determination. Their accomplishments, while already impactful, are just the beginning of their quest to reshape Cambodia’s energy landscape.
