For the seventh consecutive year, and in celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, the Equality Committee of Campus Gandia at the Universitat Politècnica de València is organizing the initiative “Bring a Female Scientist to School.” This initiative, supported by the IVIO Chair, will take place throughout February as part of a nationwide effort to promote gender equality in science.
This year, the nationwide February 11 initiative highlights the importance of mental health among women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The mental health of women in STEM fields is an increasingly important and relevant issue. As more women pursue careers in these disciplines, it has become clear that they encounter unique challenges that can impact their well-being.
Mentoring programs, support networks, and mental health resources are essential to helping women navigate these challenges. Additionally, societal expectations and family responsibilities can create additional challenges.
To foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, it is crucial for educational institutions and STEM-related industries to implement policies that prioritize well-being. Mentorship programs, support networks, and accessible mental health resources play a key role in helping women navigate these challenges and thrive in their careers. Additional measures, such as fostering inclusivity, implementing flexible work policies to support a better work-life balance, and offering workshops on stress management, resilience, and coping strategies, can provide women with valuable tools to navigate challenges.
In conclusion, prioritizing the mental health of women in STEM is essential and requires meaningful action. By promoting supportive initiatives and addressing key challenges, we can create a more equitable, inclusive, and healthy environment that benefits everyone in the fields of science and technology. More information on the website https://11defebrero.org/ciencia-cientificas-y-salud-mental/ .
The 7th edition of “Bring a Female Scientist to School“ at Campus Gandia will once again take place in person, reaching more than 1,000 students across preschool, primary, secondary, high school, and adult education classrooms. This initiative aims to highlight the contributions of women in science and technology, inspiring students by showcasing careers in STEM fields. Through engaging educational and awareness-raising activities, female scientists and professionals will share their experiences, bringing these disciplines closer to the next generation.
Recognizing and highlighting the achievements of women scientists remains an unresolved challenge in education. Classrooms still lack sufficient female role models to inspire girls and teens, helping them see themselves reflected in scientific and technical fields. Addressing this gap is crucial to breaking down gender stereotypes that persist in society and influence the career aspirations and choices of young girls.
PROGRAM
February 6th. Underwater Acoustics. Vall de la Safor Institute in Villalonga (first year of baccalaureate). By Isabel Pérez Arjona.
February 11th. Discovering Science. Verge de la Font School in Villalonga (fourth grade). By Isabel Pérez Arjona.
February 11th. Many Voices, One Shared Moment: Women Transforming Science. Gandia Adult School. By Rebeca Díez Somavilla.
February 11th. A Talk about the Experiences of Women in Science. Gabriel Ciscar Institute of Oliva. By Mar Parra Boronat.
February 12th. The Importance of the Marshes. Marjal de La Safor: The Impact of Dams on Marine Ecosystems The Case of the Vaquita Porpoise. Gregorio Mayans School of Gandia (primary and secondary). By Maite Sebastiá Frasquet.
February 12th. A Day in the Life of a Female Scientist. Xirivella Library (primary). With Pilar Sánchez Rivero and Teresa Rubio López (IBV-CSIC).
February 12th. What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? Introductory Chemistry Workshop. Cervantes School of Gandia (fifth grade). By Josepa Costa Murcia and Sagrario Torres Cartas.
February 12th. Draw a Scientist. Introductory Chemistry Workshop. Joan Martorell de Gandia School (preschool). By Josepa Costa Murcia and Sagrario Torres Cartas.
February 12th. Researching Large Marine Mammals. Les Foies del Grau School in Gandia (third and fourth grade). By Blanca Feliu Tena and Natalia Sastre Miralles.
February 13 and 14. A Day in the Life of a Female Scientist. Miguel de Cervantes School of Xirivella (second and fourth grade). With Pilar Sánchez Rivero and Teresa Rubio López (IBV-CSIC).
February 13th. Researching Large Marine Mammals. Maria Ibars Institute of Dénia (first year of ESO). By Blanca Feliu Tena and Natalia Sastre Miralles.
February 13th. Draw a Scientist. Introductory Chemistry Workshop. CEIP Joan Martorell de Gandia (preschool). By Josepa Costa Murcia and Sagrario Torres Cartas.
February 14th. Chemistry and Biology Workshop. Maria Enríquez de Gandia Institute (first and second year of baccalaureate). By Isabel Martínez Nieto and Sagrario Torres Cartas.
February 17th. Discovering Science. CRA Alfauir Ròtova (preschool and primary). By Isabel Pérez Arjona.
February 18th. 11F Activity. Magraner School of Tavernes de la Valldigna (preschool and primary school). By Sandra Sendra Compte.
February 25th. Chemistry and Biology Workshop. Ausiàs March Institute of Gandia (fourth year of ESO). By Isabel Martínez Nieto, Sagrario Torres Cartas and Leire Carbonell Adrover.
Carmen Alperte Ferrando, a PhD student at Campus Gandia (UPV), contributed as a scriptwriter to the Voces11F team at the national level. The podcasts she has contributed to include “Ganadoras Cuéntame” and “Salud Mental”.
The Gandia City Council has organized the talk “Dona+Ciència=Futur” at the Gandia Cultural Centre, featuring researchers from Campus Gandia (UPV): Isabel Pérez Arjona, Virginia Garófano Gómez, and Silvia Falcó Giaccaglia.
Additionally, the Campus Gandia (UPV) Library has curated a selection of studies and films that highlight the role of women behind the camera. This includes essays on women as creators in the film industry, research on the work of prominent female directors, and films directed by women. All materials are available at the UPV Libraries for access.
This selection is available for viewing:
- the exhibition, running from February 11 to March 8, be held in the library hall.
- on the Campus Gandia Library blog bibcraigandia.blogs.upv.es
- in the Polibuscador collection: Women Behind the Camera: polibuscador.upv.es/discovery/collectionDiscovery?vid=34UPV_INST:bibupv&collectionId=81203303700003706&lang=es
Additionally, a mural celebrating women in science will be painted on the Campus Gandia, in front of the cafeteria, during the month of February. The process will be open to the public. The mural unveiling and lecture by the artist are scheduled for March 8.
Pilar Sánchez Rivero, technical expert at Campus Gandia (UPV) and collaborator in the 11F initiative at the national level.
