Building the Future: Why I Founded Cancer Care Parcel and am Developing the Women in STEM Platform
Dr Shara Cohen FRCPath, FIBMS, FRSB, BEM
CEO | Non Executive Director | Business Leader | Trustee
When I founded Cancer Care Parcel, it wasn’t just about creating a company—it was deeply personal. Having experienced the impact of cancer in my own life, I wanted to ensure that no one ever feels alone during what can be the most challenging time of their lives. Similarly, as a woman in STEM, I’ve seen firsthand the barriers mothers face when balancing scientific careers and family life. These experiences drove me to the vision of the Women in STEM platform under Mums in Science, a global initiative designed to empower women navigating these dual challenges.
These projects are deeply intertwined with values of compassion, resilience, and empowerment. They are not just businesses but movements for change, created to address specific and pressing needs in society. Whether it’s providing critical resources to those impacted by cancer or leveling the playing field for women in STEM, these initiatives represent my belief in the power of practical support and community.
My Journey and the Creation of These Ventures
The idea for Cancer Care Parcel was born out of a moment of reflection during my own experience with cancer. I noticed how difficult it was to find practical, thoughtful support during such a turbulent time. Many services were either too medicalized or didn’t take into account the human need for comfort and reassurance. I wanted to create a space where people could access resources that felt empathetic and empowering, tailored to their needs at every stage of their cancer journey.
This personal journey also strengthened my resolve to focus on education and awareness. With Cancer Care Parcel, I aimed to provide not only physical gifts but also resources such as a freebie portal and events led by experts. These offerings make the often-overwhelming landscape of cancer care more navigable for patients, caregivers, and loved ones.
The idea of the Women in STEM platform grew from my work with Mums in Science, an initiative I started to address the challenges women face when balancing careers in science with motherhood. I saw many talented, driven women leave STEM careers because of systemic barriers—lack of mentorship, inflexible work environments, and societal biases. The Women in STEM platform is my answer to this, providing a global community where women can network, find support, and access resources to help them succeed both professionally and personally.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
The Women in STEM platform isn’t just about supporting mothers navigating careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—it’s about tackling the broader systemic barriers that have long held women back in these fields. From the pervasive glass ceiling to workplace sexism and unconscious bias, this platform is a comprehensive response to the many challenges women face in STEM.
Women in STEM fields often encounter unique hurdles that limit their career progression. These include:
The Glass Ceiling: Despite their qualifications and contributions, women frequently find themselves excluded from leadership positions. Structural barriers, limited access to decision-making roles, and societal biases create a figurative “glass ceiling” that hinders their upward mobility.
Sexism and Unconscious Bias: Gender stereotypes persist in STEM, manifesting in microaggressions, undervaluing women’s work, and assumptions about their capabilities. These biases often begin in education and extend into professional settings.
Lack of Representation: Women are still significantly underrepresented in many STEM fields, which perpetuates feelings of isolation and limits access to role models and mentors.
Unequal Pay and Opportunities: Gender pay gaps and fewer opportunities for high-visibility projects or promotions further exacerbate inequities in STEM careers.
Workplace Culture: From a lack of family-friendly policies to overt harassment, many workplaces remain inhospitable to women, making retention a significant issue.
The Women in STEM platform is designed to address these issues head-on, providing practical solutions and fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment.
How the Platform Will Make a Difference
Networking Opportunities: The platform will connect women across disciplines and geographies, creating a global community where they can share experiences, resources, and opportunities.
Mentorship Programs: By pairing aspiring professionals with experienced mentors, the platform will provide guidance and support for navigating complex career landscapes.
Career Development Resources: It will offer training, workshops, and tools to help women enhance their skills, negotiate for better opportunities, and advocate for themselves in professional settings.
Advocacy for Structural Change: We will highlight the importance of equitable workplace policies like transparent promotion criteria, anti-discrimination training, and family-friendly practices.
Raising Awareness: We will educate companies and institutions about sexism, unconscious bias, and other systemic barriers while equipping them with strategies to create inclusive environments.
Showcasing Achievements: The platfrom will celebrate the accomplishments of women in STEM, challenging stereotypes and inspiring future generations.
Supporting Communities and Creating Change
Cancer Care Parcel and the Women in STEM platform amplify voices that are often overlooked by traditional systems.
Cancer Care Parcel ensures that people affected by cancer—whether patients, caregivers, or loved ones—have access to compassionate resources that make their journey easier.
Women in STEM addresses not only the penalties women face as mothers but also systemic barriers like sexism, the glass ceiling, and unequal pay.
By addressing these issues holistically, both initiatives foster inclusion, equity, and empowerment, creating lasting change for individuals and the communities around them.
Why This Is the Right Time to Invest
Investing in Cancer Care Parcel or the Women in STEM platform isn’t just about financial returns—it’s about being part of a movement that makes tangible differences in people’s lives. Here’s how your investment will make a difference:
Fueling Growth: Your investment will allow Cancer Care Parcel to expand its resources, hire staff, and scale operations to meet growing demand. Similarly, the Women in STEM platform will use funds to enhance its offerings and reach a broader audience.
Empowering Communities: By supporting these ventures, you’ll be contributing to meaningful solutions for underserved groups.
Maximizing Financial Benefits: If you are in the UK the SEIS and EIS tax reliefs, can give you significant financial benefits while supporting ventures that align with your values.
With the tax year deadline approaching in April 2025, this is the perfect time to act. SEIS offers 50% income tax relief on investments, while EIS provides 30%. Both schemes also offer capital gains tax exemptions and loss relief, making them ideal for investors seeking both financial returns and social impact.
Join Us in Building the Future
If you’d like further information or wish to explore investment opportunities, please contact us directly:
Pavan Vig - pavan@mumsinscience.org
Alexei Harrison- alexei@mumsinscience.org
Phone: (+44) 020 8242 1799
We look forward to building the future of cancer care and women in STEM together.