Science by the sea: Peruvian scientists share their knowledge with girls
For the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 5 renowned Peruvian female scientists met with girls aged 12 to 14 years old.
Science by the sea: Peruvian scientists share their knowledge with girls
- Five renowned Peruvian female scientists participated in an encounter with 50 girls between the ages of 12 and 14 years old, in an event co-organised by the British Embassy, Concytec and the British Peruvian Cultural Association – Británico.
- The activity fostered thought-provoking dialogue amongst the girls on the importance and relevance of having women in science, and sought to promote careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)
The British Embassy in Lima, together with CONCYTEC and the British Peruvian Cultural Association (BRITÁNICO), organised the event on 11 February 2019 “Hablemos de Ciencia frente al Mar” (“Let’s talk about science by the sea”) at La Estrella beach (Miraflores), to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 50 girls between the ages of 12 and 14 years old were selected in an online contest to spend the day with women scientists that are contributing to Peru’s development.
The participating scientists were: Sara Purca, doctor in Oceanography from the Universidad de Concepcion (Chile); Mónica Gómez, doctor in Science with a mention in Physics from the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería; Zully Puyen, doctor in microbiology from the Instituto Nacional de Salud; Johanna Alfaro, doctor in biological sciences from the Universidad Científica del Sur; and Giovanna Sotil, doctoral candidate in biological sciences from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos.
During the seaside encounter, the scientists shared details about their professional careers, difficulties they faced, and their passion for science.
The event was attended by Colin Gray, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General of the British Embassy; Dra. Fabiola León-Velarde, president of CONCYTEC, and Gonzalo de Cárdenas, General Manager of BRITÁNICO. The participants were also introduced to the British minicomputer known as Raspberry Pi, a low-cost device that is ideal for creative and educational purposes, thanks to Generación Tec.
In his remarks at the event, Colin Gray said:
I am proud to see such enthusiasm from this group of girls who have spent the morning talking and learning from women leaders in science, namely: Peruvian scientists and researchers who have been contributing to the development of the country. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that every girl in Peru has the opportunity to reach her full potential with a quality education. I thank our partners, CONCYTEC and BRITÁNICO, for their valuable support”.
The gender gap in STEM still persists in Peru. Even though women represent 57% of those who finish their undergraduate studies, only 33% of them decide to pursue a career in STEM, showing the need for women leaders in these areas. The British Government’s #LeaveNoGirlBehind campaign aims to promote a quality education for girls all around the world.