Stellar July: Leave the Dark Side Behind... and Join SWAN!

Imagine standing on the edge of the Moon, looking back at Earth, a tiny blue marble shimmering in the vast darkness. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong made that moment history. But today, over fifty years later, the stars are calling out for a new generation, one where women shine just as brightly.

This July, put on your Padawan robes (sequins optional) and turn your back on the Dark Side of the Force… to join the Space Women’s Alliance – SWAN ! No lightsabre needed, just a curious heart, a committed mind, and your wildest dreams.

🌌 Pioneers of the Past and Missions of the Future

From the very first all-female spacewalk in 2019 (Jessica Meir & Christina Koch) to the commanding presence of Samantha Cristoforetti aboard the ISS in 2022, women are already reshaping space history.

Think about Sophie Adenot (an engineer and helicopter pilot) who, in 2026, will float aboard the ISS conducting experiments, while savouring French cuisine designed by chef Anne-Sophie Pic. And don’t forget ARTEMIS III, scheduled for 2027, which will land the first woman on the Moon! A defining milestone in humanity’s journey.

👧Why Inspire Girls from an Early Age?

I remember a shy year 10 girl I met at a science event. She barely spoke until I shared my own childhood dreams. Then, almost whispering, she said:
"I draw rockets in my notebooks… one day, I want to build real ones."

That quiet spark stayed with me.

Because girls’ dreams are fragile, yet fierce. But far too often, invisible barriers like doubt and stereotypes keep them grounded. By nurturing curiosity early, we plant seeds of possibility before the weeds of limitation take root.

🚧 Facing Real Challenges

Did you know women make up just around 20% of engineers and scientists worldwide? In aerospace, the number is similar. Many girls grow up surrounded by unspoken signals: this field isn’t for you. And too often, they look around and see no one who looks like them.

According to UNESCO’s 2024 report, Changing the Equation: Securing STEM Futures for Women, women represent only 35% of STEM graduates globally, and just 22% of STEM jobs in G20 countries. Despite decades of effort, this underrepresentation persists, driven by stubborn stereotypes, a lack of visible female role models, and structural inequalities in the workplace.

👉 Read full report here: UNESCO - Changing the equation : securing STEM futures for women

Every barrier is a challenge waiting to be broken. But first, we must name them.

🌠 A Rocket Born on a School Notebook

That quiet girl, dreaming of rockets on paper, reminded me how small moments can launch great journeys. Like the universe itself, born from tiny sparks.

Let’s hold onto these moments. And thank you to the parents who nurture these dreams quietly: your encouragement means the world.

👩👧 A Salute to Moms… and Dads!

To the parents who say:
"I might not understand it, but I’m here for my daughter. Together, we’ll figure it out."

This simple support turns fragile hope into unstoppable ambition.

🏫 Engineering Schools & Universities: The Next Step After Dreams

Recently appointed as Academic Partnerships Lead at the Alliance, I’m dedicated to connecting schools, universities, and the space industry to help every girl turn her dreams into reality.
This new challenge at SWAN is close to my heart. Stay tuned for exciting updates coming this September 😊

✨ What Can You Do This Month? Let’s Dream Bigger, Together 🌍

• 📚 Read a biography: Mae Jemison (NASA), Claudie Haigneré (ESA)
• 💬 Join a virtual or real event like Inside the Astrolabe exhibition (ESAs Paris headquarters), La Cite de l'espace (Toulouse)
• 🚀 Start a project: mini-talks, STEM clubs, rocket workshops
• 🌠 Attend local astronomy events like the Night of the Stars
• 🎧 Listen to specific podcasts: Exploration et conquete spatiale (Radio France)

🌟 Words to Inspire

As astronaut Mae Jemison once said:
"Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations."

And as Nobel laureate Marie Curie reminded us:
"Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood."

These words light the path forward, not just for space, but for every frontier we’ve yet to explore.

🌍 The Alliance: It’s Us, Inclusive, Bold, United

It’s you.
It’s me.
It’s all of us, working together.

Because space will only be truly universal if it’s truly inclusive. No lightsabre required, just vision, willpower, and a shared horizon.

Together, we are like stars forming constellations, each shining brightly on its own, but creating something unforgettable when united.

Let’s make the stars shine brighter and enjoy a lovely, inspiring summer break