Even though there have been a lot of advances in gender equality, women are still underrepresented in science and technology. According to UNESCO, only 33% of researchers worldwide are women. Despite their achievements, women face significant challenges such as gender bias, lack of representation and unequal access to opportunities. Today, the International Day of Women in STEM is a day of reflection. What can we do to address these issues? 

Carolina is our Vice Head of Steering and has been a staple not only in GASB but also in iGEM. Naturally, she knows first hand how important a healthy and supportive community is:

“I have been lucky enough during my professional career to be surrounded by amazing women that have inspired and supported me during all these years. From my first internship supervisor to my current PI, I have been shown that science is for everyone and that there should not be any limits just because I am a woman. So, I invite every woman to go out there and inspire the next generation. Be the role model of the girl who hears for the first time about synthetic biology and starts to dream to become a scientist.  And to my male colleagues, I also invite you to take part in this. Call out injustices that you see and reflect on your own behaviors. We can only make a difference if we all work together.”    

Especially visibility is a crucial aspect that all of us have to consider, says Andrea. She is our Head of Industry and is responsible for collaboration with Stakeholders and organizing events like the SynBioReactor:

“Growing up, I was fortunate to have many female engineers, doctors, and scientists in my family, so I naturally assumed it was normal for women to hold these roles. However, during my engineering education, I never had a female supervisor or professor. That contrast made me realize just how much representation and visibility matter. Every girl should grow up seeing women in STEM, not just as exceptions, but as role models who inspire them to pursue their passions without limits.”

We have come far, but there is still a long way to go to ensure that everyone can freely pursue their dreams without worrying about discrimination. This is a goal that can only be achieved with united forces, but we are strong, and we are many. So lets advance equality together!