DOST leads forum on the vital role of women and girls in science
DOST leads forum on the vital role of women and girls in science
By Carl Miguel A. Lusugero, DOST-STII
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a hybrid forum held on 12 February 2024 with the theme "Women and Girls in Science Leadership." Six empowered women were invited to discuss science leadership and share their experiences as women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Assistant Secretary and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, in her welcome remarks, reported that women researchers account for only 33.3 percent of the workforce at 28 percent. Women are considered a minority in the field of STEM. She added that while tremendous progress has been made for women, representation in various S&T fields remains a challenge.
"We gather today to celebrate the contribution of women and girls in science, an opportune time to remind ourselves that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities, and there is a need to strengthen their participation," said Asec. Ignacio.
Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. shared that inequality is concerning, as it leads to a lack of diversity, inclusion, and will limit the potential of the STEM industry. He added that by missing out on half of the world's potential, all of society suffers because its ability to address challenges is undermined.
Women and girls in science leadership
In this forum, six trailblazing women were invited to discuss women leadership roles in STEM. First is Dr. Vanny Narita from the S&T Division, ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia. She discussed how women will face and break the barriers in STEM fields. Second is Ms. Jackie Lyn Guevara, a Ph.D. candidate from Michigan State University, who shared tips, tricks, challenges, solutions, and the importance of strengthening and promoting careers in STEM, especially in leadership roles.
Additionally, Ms. Ronna Reyes-Sieh of the Philippine Science and Technology Development Foundation, Ms. Leia Yzabel Monteclar of Pisay-Central Visayas Campus, and Ms. Ma. Caryl Villones, a science education graduate from the Philippine Normal University, shared their experiences on how to achieve success in the fields of science and technology.
Lastly, Dr. Josette Biyo, Director of the DOST-Science Education Institute, discussed how she transformed science and art education. A song, co-written by her, titled "Falling for Seasons," inspired by her poetry and paintings, was also launched during the forum.
In closing, Executive Director Lilia Habacon of the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) stressed to everyone the words of the 2019 Miss Universe from South Africa: "If there is one thing we must be teaching young girls, it must be leadership. We must be teaching young girls to occupy space."
She added that the country needs more Filipinas like Dr. Lourdes Cruz, whose research impacted the Neuroscience field, or Dr. Fe Del Mundo, who pioneered Pediatrics in the Philippines. Young girls can also learn lessons from the plant breeding specialist Dr. Dolores Ramirez or relate to the speakers in the forum to reshape the stature of women and girls in society.
Furthermore, Executive Director Habacon stated, "Occupying leadership space begins with providing learning opportunities that empower young girls to excel in science and technology. We need to provide enriching education opportunities that nurture their creativity and critical thinking so that they may be able to create innovation and discoveries. Because the world will definitely be a better place with more women in science.”
