#UoBWomen: Why I stopped choosing between Art and Science

Written by Oliwia Bujnarowska

March is a time to reflect on the barriers broken by the women before us and the ones we are still breaking today. When I look at my own path, I realise I seem to gravitate towards spaces where women are still fighting for equal representation.

The chain of education

My story is not just my own. It is the result of the women who came before me. It actually starts with my grandmother. She always dreamed of getting an education, but growing up in post-war Poland, economic hardship meant she never had the opportunity to study. Because of that, she is incredibly proud to see me achieving what was out of reach for many in her generation.

Then there is my mother. She picked up that baton and became the first person in our entire family to earn a university degree. Watching her achieve that taught me that education is the key to independence. She paved the way. Because of her example and my grandmother’s support, I had the courage to go further. I am now the second person in the family to graduate, and I am on track to become the first to hold a Master's degree. Doing this abroad makes the journey feel even more significant.

Navigating "Boys' Clubs"

My academic journey started in film. While many people think of the arts as inclusive, the film industry is still heavily male-dominated. Globally, women account for only 22% of key behind-the-scenes roles in top films. Whether it is directors, cinematographers, or technical crews, women are often in the minority on set.

Navigating that environment was a crash course in confidence. It taught me that I sometimes have to speak a little louder to be heard and that I must trust my creative vision even when I am the only woman in the room. But then, I decided to raise the bar even higher. I moved into Digital Media and Creative Industries and started exploring the world of AI and Data Science.

Breaking the "non-technical" mould

At first, I encountered an internal barrier. I told myself that as a "creative" woman, I didn't belong in the world of data and algorithms. I thought that was another world reserved for men in hoodies. With women holding only around 20% of data science roles, it’s easy to feel like an outsider.

My time at UoB challenged that stereotype. I participated in the 'Shape AI Challenge' for Oxford University Press. I was terrified I would be out of my depth. Instead, I realised that the tech world needs us. It needs women with creative backgrounds to ensure the future of AI is ethical, human-centric, and inclusive.

Receiving a certificate for that challenge, alongside completing the Google Data Analytics qualification, was a turning point. It proved to me that I don't have to choose between being "creative" or "technical" because I can be both. I am now planning to combine Media with Data Science, and I am even considering a PhD connecting these fields.

My message to you

Whether it is holding a camera or writing code, my advice is to ignore the labels. If you find yourself in a male-dominated field, don't shrink back.

If you think you don't belong in a certain room, whether it is a film set, a boardroom, or a coding lab, remember the women who pushed for you to be there. Step in, take your seat, and write your own history. Do it for yourself, but also for the women in your life who never got that chance and the women yet to come.

Check out what's on for Women's History Month.