Women want more space in science

Although the fields It stems (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are fundamental to national economies, and to date most countries, regardless of their level of development, have not achieved gender equality. In this field, as revealed by UNESCO.

This is shown in a report prepared in 2019 Global average percentage of female researchers is 33% Only 35% of all students in STEM-related professions are female. In Latin America, the participation rate of this group in science and engineering courses is lower than that of men, and the percentages range from 20 to 28% for men. In Ecuador, it is only 16% lower.

According to the center’s scientific publishing coordinator IsbolSofía Cabrera Although in recent years the country has seen a change in reducing gender gaps, there is still a lot to be done, because the rates of women's presence in these areas are still very low. “I think the conditions are being met by public policy and society to break the glass ceiling,” he says.

It was precisely this problem that was addressed during the eleventh edition of the journal Scientific Sheilaorganized by ESPOOL, through the University Agency for Research, Development and Innovation (R+D+i).

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The conference, titled “Women in Science and Technology: Impact and Legacy,” was held at the Pop Up Teatro Café and featured a prominent women’s panel, including: Anna Changwen, National Secretariat for Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation; Paola Romero, Vice President of Teaching at Espol University; Claudia Segovia, Co-Founder and Coordinator of the Ecuadorian Network of Women Scientists in Ecuador (REMCI) and Catarina Costa, General Director of POLIGRUP.

During the scientific evening topics such as: Women's contribution to science and technology; The gender gap; stereotypes; The importance of mentoring and support for gender advancement in these fields and their future in STEM.

Claudia Segovia stressed that it is necessary to give Greater vision Women in the field of science and technology, as they often occupy spaces in which they cannot make decisions, which is reflected in scientific production.

This is the first edition of Scientific Chela for 2024, and nine more are scheduled throughout the year on various topics.

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