The International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated in a variety of ways worldwide. Técnico joined the IWD celebrations, highlighting the women scientists who work or studied at the School and inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams regardless of gender.
Professor Alexandro Bernardino and professor Beatriz Silva, coordinators of the Gender Balance @ Técnico (GB @ Tecnico) group, stress the important role of Técnico in promoting gender equality, which is reflected in the number of initiatives organised to celebrate the IWD. “The work developed by the GB @ Tecnico group has been recognised and distinguished by the Observatory of Best Practices at IST (ObservIST), an increased number of people started to get more interested in gender issues, which has led to the growth of the group, and several measures have been taken by Técnico governing bodies to ensure gender equality”, stresses professor Alexandre Bernardino.
As in previous years, the Alumni Talks-Women Edition was held this morning, but this time in virtual format. The alumnae Ana Dias, Cristina Borges Correia, Inês Godet, Isabel Guerreiro, Joana Oom de Sousa, Sandra Conceição and Sara Mendes shared their experiences and deconstructed stereotypes, showing that it is possible to build successful careers and reconcile professional and personal life.
Professor Beatriz Silva recalls “the gender stereotypes (among others) are still deeply rooted in Portuguese society, so it is necessary a systematic and long-lasting intervention in the deconstruction of these stereotypes”. “Role models are very important in this process, but there must be an even more effective communication with students and families, in order to maximize the message”, adds the professor.
IGen Forum launches the book “The Long Road to Equality. Women and Men in the 21st century”
“Do you know that all people can decide what career they want to pursue? Do you know that all choices are valid?” – these are the first two questions of the book “The Long Road to Equality. Women and Men in the 21st century”, launched this afternoon, which aims to inspire young people.
The Forum Organizations for Equality – iGen, of which Técnico is a member, in partnership with the Portuguese Mint and Official Printing Office, published the book written by Ana Maria Magalhães and Isabel Alçada, and illustrated by Susana Carvalhinhos. The book is divided into two parts: a fictional story and real data compilation.
As one of the promoters of this project, Técnico acquired and personalized 1500 copies of the book with the signature of the Técnico president, professor Rogério Colaço. Some of these books were given to Técnico staff as Christmas gifts. The remaining books can be purchased at Técnico store for 10 euros each.
Being a Woman at Técnico
Técnico celebrated the IWD on social media by sharing photos and testimonies of many women who have left their mark on the School over the past few years. In this initiative, we honour all Técnico women as an essential driving force of the school, stressing the importance of gender equality in institutions and in society in general.
What is it like to be a woman at Técnico? There are certainly many different answers to this question. Professor Beatriz Silva shares: “Being a professor, researcher and woman at Técnico is having the possibility of pursuing a career in Engineering, and enjoy a professional environment that values gender balance”. “Currently, the percent of women faculty at Técnico is 26%, and obviously this underrepresentation generates some inequality, especially in career development. In this sense, continuous awareness of gender equality is very important, both at Técnico and in our society, as it is not a question of lack of merit, it is a matter of overcoming stereotypes that still exist in our society”, adds the professor who also highlights the importance of telling her female students that their opportunities are unlimited.
Speaking of unlimited opportunities and in order to end the day in the best possible way, the Técnico community is invited to attend the lecture by Mamta Patel Nagaraja, aerospace engineer and responsible for the Women @ NASA project. The speaker promises to lead the audience through what has been a “dream trip”, starting from her career and professional experience, but going much further, since the lecture will also include the stories of many women who contributed to the space program.
