“WOMEN IN SCIENCES”

““WOMEN IN SCIENCES”WOMEN IN SCIENCES”

Dr. Lilliam Alvarez Diaz, Director of Sciences,Dr. Lilliam Alvarez Diaz, Director of Sciences,Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology and EnvironmentCuban Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment

E-mail: E-mail: [email protected]@citma.cu

Are we visible ?Are we visible ?

Or invisibles ?Or invisibles ?

Sólo 3 mujeres en el Simposium Latinoamericano de Física de las Altas Energías

año 2000 !!!

UNESCO World Conference on Science,UNESCO World Conference on Science, held in Budapest in June 1999, was a crucial held in Budapest in June 1999, was a crucial moment in the organization of an Action Plan moment in the organization of an Action Plan and sensitizing the decision makers and and sensitizing the decision makers and authorities in the more urgent problems authorities in the more urgent problems enfacing women in Science and Technology, enfacing women in Science and Technology, especially in the Third World. especially in the Third World.

(Women in Sciences in Latin America assisted (Women in Sciences in Latin America assisted with well preparation and awareness…since with well preparation and awareness…since UNESCO UNESCO BarilocheBariloche Meeting in 1998…) Meeting in 1998…)

In Budapest, the speeches in the Main Hall In Budapest, the speeches in the Main Hall pronounced by pronounced by Lydia Makhubu and Rosa Lydia Makhubu and Rosa Elena Simeon,Elena Simeon, (the sadly lost Minister of (the sadly lost Minister of Science and Technology of Cuba), were very Science and Technology of Cuba), were very impressive and left prepared the participants impressive and left prepared the participants for the panels in the subsequent days…….for the panels in the subsequent days…….

The lack of participation The lack of participation of Women of Women

in politics, in the socio-in politics, in the socio-economical and cultural economical and cultural development, in S&T, development, in S&T, necessarily necessarily DelayDelay

The societies The societies maintaining inequitiesmaintaining inequities

The lack of participation The lack of participation of Women of Women

in politics, in the socio-in politics, in the socio-economical and cultural economical and cultural development, in S&T, development, in S&T, necessarily necessarily DelayDelay

The societies The societies maintaining inequitiesmaintaining inequities

Because Women are not a minority Because Women are not a minority

We are We are the halfthe half of the Humankind of the Humankind

And And the Mothers of the other the Mothers of the other half !half !

3/53/5 parts of the poorest people parts of the poorest people of the world are women and of the world are women and

girlsgirls70%70% of the 130 millions of non- of the 130 millions of non-

studying persons in the world studying persons in the world are girlsare girls

2/32/3 parts of the 960 millions of parts of the 960 millions of illiterates in the world are illiterates in the world are

womenwomen

Some figures:Some figures:

Richest countries, having les Richest countries, having les of the 20% of the world of the 20% of the world population:population:•Execute more than the 80% Execute more than the 80% of the funds for R&Dof the funds for R&D•Publish the 85% of the Publish the 85% of the scientific papersscientific papers•Are owners of around the Are owners of around the 90% of the patents90% of the patents

By other hand, 1/3 of the graduated By other hand, 1/3 of the graduated students (men or women ), finishing the students (men or women ), finishing the careers in the “the third world” do not work careers in the “the third world” do not work for the development of our countries……for the development of our countries……

In addition, we haveIn addition, we have Gender biasGender bias in Science teaching !in Science teaching !

By failing to encourage women to pursue careers in By failing to encourage women to pursue careers in Physics, as well as men, Physics, as well as men, the world wastes a the world wastes a substantial portion of its talentsubstantial portion of its talent and severely limits and severely limits women’s potential contributions.women’s potential contributions.

Participation of women in all spheres of society and in Participation of women in all spheres of society and in particular in fields such as science, has enormous particular in fields such as science, has enormous implications not only for women themselves, but for the implications not only for women themselves, but for the whole of our societies. Such participation is also very whole of our societies. Such participation is also very important in important in shaping the futureshaping the future of our countries of our countries..

The influence of role models is crucial.The influence of role models is crucial. Efforts Efforts must be made to provide more women as mentors for must be made to provide more women as mentors for younger women scientists during the early stages of younger women scientists during the early stages of their careers, or even as early as during their period of their careers, or even as early as during their period of training.training.

Being pro-activeBeing pro-active is the only way to change the is the only way to change the current situation and current situation and ‘to correct’ biases‘to correct’ biases and thus and thus promote greater participation of women in Sciences in promote greater participation of women in Sciences in the future. the future.

BUDAPEST + 10BUDAPEST + 10

Which have been the advancements??………Which have been the advancements??……… Are they enough ?Are they enough ?

Can we be satisfied ?Can we be satisfied ? …………………………

Let us remember the text of the Let us remember the text of the

ACTION PLAN ACTION PLAN

related to WOMEN IN SCIENCES….related to WOMEN IN SCIENCES….

Some of the main items approved in the Action Some of the main items approved in the Action Plan were the following:Plan were the following:

““Government agencies, international organizations and Government agencies, international organizations and universities and research institutions should ensure the universities and research institutions should ensure the full participation of womenfull participation of women in the PLANNING, in the PLANNING, ORIENTATION, CONDUCT AND ASSESMENT OF ORIENTATION, CONDUCT AND ASSESMENT OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.

It is necessary that women participate actively in It is necessary that women participate actively in SHAPING THE AGENDA FOR FUTURE DIRECTION SHAPING THE AGENDA FOR FUTURE DIRECTION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHOF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH..

All countries should contribute to All countries should contribute to the collection of the collection of reliable data, in an internationally standarized reliable data, in an internationally standarized mannermanner, for the generation of gender-disaggregated , for the generation of gender-disaggregated statistics on S&T, statistics on S&T,

Governments and educational institutions should Governments and educational institutions should identify and identify and eliminate, from early learning stages eliminate, from early learning stages on, educational practices that have a on, educational practices that have a discriminatory effect,discriminatory effect, so as to increase the so as to increase the successful participation in science of individuals from successful participation in science of individuals from all sectors of society, including disadvantaged groups”all sectors of society, including disadvantaged groups”

The foundation of the UNESCO Cathedra for The foundation of the UNESCO Cathedra for Women in Science and Technology Women in Science and Technology in Latin in Latin America,America, directed by directed by Gloria BonderGloria Bonder from from Argentina was a very important step, in particular Argentina was a very important step, in particular the developing of Research Projects with the the developing of Research Projects with the participation of many countries of the Region, participation of many countries of the Region, authorities of S&T, (men or women), establishing authorities of S&T, (men or women), establishing tendencies, identifying stereotypes, common tendencies, identifying stereotypes, common perceptions, etc. perceptions, etc.

Certainly, there have been two main causes: one Certainly, there have been two main causes: one is a the is a the difficulties in the electronic difficulties in the electronic communicationcommunication which has been intermittent,…the which has been intermittent,…the other one…other one…

In general in the Region, Latin America and the In general in the Region, Latin America and the Caribbean persists Caribbean persists the lack of financial supportthe lack of financial support to to organize joint meetings, projects, publications or organize joint meetings, projects, publications or fellowships for young women scientists. fellowships for young women scientists.

The foundation of the UNESCO Cathedra for The foundation of the UNESCO Cathedra for Women in Science and Technology Women in Science and Technology in Latin in Latin America,America, directed by directed by Gloria BonderGloria Bonder from from Argentina was a very important step, in particular Argentina was a very important step, in particular the developing of Research Projects with the the developing of Research Projects with the participation of many countries of the Region, participation of many countries of the Region, authorities of S&T, (men or women), establishing authorities of S&T, (men or women), establishing tendencies, identifying stereotypes, common tendencies, identifying stereotypes, common perceptions, etc. perceptions, etc.

Certainly, there have been two main causes: one Certainly, there have been two main causes: one is a the is a the difficulties in the electronic difficulties in the electronic communicationcommunication which has been intermittent,…the which has been intermittent,…the other one…other one…

In general in the Region, Latin America and the In general in the Region, Latin America and the Caribbean persists Caribbean persists the lack of financial supportthe lack of financial support to to organize joint meetings, projects, publications or organize joint meetings, projects, publications or fellowships for young women scientists. fellowships for young women scientists.

WOMEN IN LAC: Common problemsWOMEN IN LAC: Common problems In our countries, work force is still almost In our countries, work force is still almost

entirely sex-segregatedentirely sex-segregated, , i.e., most occupations are i.e., most occupations are either predominantly female or predominantly female. In a pallid either predominantly female or predominantly female. In a pallid way (and there are some representatives), some occupational way (and there are some representatives), some occupational barriers have fallen but in general, in the Caribbean Region barriers have fallen but in general, in the Caribbean Region women are clustered to jobs that demand service, patience, women are clustered to jobs that demand service, patience, subordination status, and in general jobs with low salaries and subordination status, and in general jobs with low salaries and little chance of advancements,(little chance of advancements,( “pink-collar ghetto”).“pink-collar ghetto”).

The ‘Glass-ceiling’ phenomenaThe ‘Glass-ceiling’ phenomena is also present in is also present in women doing hard Sciences in the Caribbean: they do women doing hard Sciences in the Caribbean: they do not access to decision positions.not access to decision positions.

Each one is consequence of others. That means, if we Each one is consequence of others. That means, if we have in the Region poor representation of women in have in the Region poor representation of women in decision levels, that is consequence of decision levels, that is consequence of stereotypes, stereotypes, occupational segregation, gender bias in the occupational segregation, gender bias in the education, etc.education, etc.

Obviously, some of the referred problems are Obviously, some of the referred problems are intrinsically gender issues, not related to the intrinsically gender issues, not related to the economical situation of each country but with economical situation of each country but with historical assumptions of an historical assumptions of an androcentric androcentric world.world.

In LACIn LAC in this 10 years in different Workshops, in this 10 years in different Workshops, Conferences, fruitful debates and studies the following Conferences, fruitful debates and studies the following

problems can be identified, which are common to women problems can be identified, which are common to women pursuing careers in science and technology:pursuing careers in science and technology:

Leadership Problems. Leadership Problems. Under-Representation of Women at Under-Representation of Women at

Decision-Making Levels.Decision-Making Levels. Occupational Segregation. Occupational Segregation. Tendency to Medical/Health Sciences and Tendency to Medical/Health Sciences and

Education –which are Traditional Vestiges. Education –which are Traditional Vestiges. Under Representation of Women In Basic Sciences Under Representation of Women In Basic Sciences

as Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy (except as Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy (except Chemistry). Chemistry).

Migration and brain drain (common for males and Migration and brain drain (common for males and females for all the Third World).females for all the Third World).

Stereotypes. Stereotypes. Gender Bias in Text Books for all Levels and in Gender Bias in Text Books for all Levels and in

Scientific Vocabulary and Scientific Literature. Scientific Vocabulary and Scientific Literature.

In In 1959, the triumph of the 1959, the triumph of the Cuban Revolution found:Cuban Revolution found:

600 00 children without schools600 00 children without schools

10 00 teachers without classrooms10 00 teachers without classrooms

Emigration outside of Cuba of a Emigration outside of Cuba of a big number of physicians and big number of physicians and

professionalsprofessionals

Women and girls received more Women and girls received more directly the impact of the poor directly the impact of the poor

economyeconomy

Defining Development and Progress

• Recovering the Human Dignity• Cultural Identity• Institutional Organization• Ecological Sustainability

Including Women in the social lifeIncluding Women in the social life Eliminating all kind of RacismEliminating all kind of Racism LiteracyLiteracy FoodFood Health Care Health Care EducationEducation HousingHousing Social Commitment of ScientistsSocial Commitment of Scientists Social Appropriation of S&T – Citizens with a general integral Culture

CConcrete Actions:oncrete Actions:Teaching ReformTeaching Reform, 1961, 1961Private School interventions Private School interventions Public SchoolsPublic SchoolsCampaign against Illiteracy in 1961Campaign against Illiteracy in 1961::

Major Female participation:Major Female participation: 59%59% of the voluntary young teachers were of the voluntary young teachers were womenwomen 55 %55 % of the people learning to read and write of the people learning to read and write were womenwere womenCuban Women Federation, FMC,Cuban Women Federation, FMC, played a decisive played a decisive role recovering the dignity of Cuban women, role recovering the dignity of Cuban women, involving them in all the same activities as men, involving them in all the same activities as men, with complete access to the labor life.with complete access to the labor life.The FMC founded the The FMC founded the Children Garden and new Children Garden and new Schools having lunch includedSchools having lunch included. These were definite . These were definite steps in adding the women force to the steps in adding the women force to the construction of a new society.construction of a new society.The Pregnancy Law and the Family CodeThe Pregnancy Law and the Family Code

FOUNDATIONS OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE CUBAN SCIENTIFIC CUBAN SCIENTIFIC

POLICY:POLICY:•DEVELOPMENT OF OUR OWN HUMAN

POTENTIAL, (OPENNING

OPORTUNITIES FOR ALL, TALENTED

GIRLS AND BOYS)

•FOSTERING THE CUBAN SOCIAL AND ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENT

CUBAN SCIENCE CUBAN SCIENCE

TODAY:TODAY:

1,21 % GDP DEVOTED TO S&T 1,21 % GDP DEVOTED TO S&T ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES

1,15 RESEARCHERS AND 1,15 RESEARCHERS AND ENGINEERS PER THOUSAND ENGINEERS PER THOUSAND PERSONS OF THE LABOUR FORCEPERSONS OF THE LABOUR FORCE

Cuba,Cuba, has been recently catalogued, by the UNDP, has been recently catalogued, by the UNDP, as a country having as a country having

High High HHuman uman DDevelopment evelopment IIndexndex

and this fact and this fact has been possible only for the has been possible only for the permanent permanent political willpolitical will and investments in S&T and investments in S&T

and a network of Research institutionsand a network of Research institutions working in working in the main priorities of the country: the main priorities of the country: Food Food productions, Health, Biotechnology, productions, Health, Biotechnology,

Renewable Energies, Natural Sciences, Renewable Energies, Natural Sciences, Environment, Natural disasters and Climate Environment, Natural disasters and Climate

changes, Basic Sciences, Social Sciences, and changes, Basic Sciences, Social Sciences, and Technologies for information and Technologies for information and

communication…communication…AND HAVING HIGH INDEXES OF WOMEN AND HAVING HIGH INDEXES OF WOMEN

INCLUSIONINCLUSION

CUBA TODAY:CUBA TODAY:

217 INSTITUTIONS DEVOTED TO S217 INSTITUTIONS DEVOTED TO S&&T ,T ,

(with more than 50 000 researchers in (with more than 50 000 researchers in R+D), R+D),

115 ARE RESEARCH INSTITUTES115 ARE RESEARCH INSTITUTES

63 CENTERS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, 63 CENTERS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, disseminated in all the provinces, disseminated in all the provinces,

More than 3 000 Faculties of Universities More than 3 000 Faculties of Universities in 169 Municipalities in the Island.in 169 Municipalities in the Island.

11 million of inhabitants11 million of inhabitants

IPK

CIM

CNB

CIGB

CENIC

CIE

CENSA

CIREN

I. FINLAY

+36 Institutions devoted to Biotechnology +36 Institutions devoted to Biotechnology I+D+i+C: Scientific Pole of West HavanaI+D+i+C: Scientific Pole of West Havana

• GROWING OF THE NEW GROWING OF THE NEW PRODUCTS OF SCIENCE AND PRODUCTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGY

•GROWING OF PRODUCTS TO GROWING OF PRODUCTS TO SUBSTITUTE IMPORTING SUBSTITUTE IMPORTING ISSUES, SUCH AS ISSUES, SUCH AS PHARMACEUTICAL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, VACCINES, PRODUCTS, VACCINES, FOODS, OIL, ETC.FOODS, OIL, ETC.

ECONOMICAL IMPACTS OF THE ECONOMICAL IMPACTS OF THE CUBAN SCIENCE SYSTEMCUBAN SCIENCE SYSTEM

NEW Haemóphilus NEW Haemóphilus Vaccine *****Vaccine *****

NEW Biotechnological NEW Biotechnological ProductsProducts

MonoclonalMonoclonal AntiBody egf-R3

NEW RESULTS:NEW RESULTS:RELEVANTS FOR THE CUBAN RELEVANTS FOR THE CUBAN

HEALTH CARE SHYSTEMHEALTH CARE SHYSTEM

IMPACT OF THE NATIONAL PROGRAM OF VACCINATION DISSEASEDISSEASE YEAR OF YEAR OF

INTERVENTIONINTERVENTIONYEAR OF YEAR OF

THE THE IMPACTIMPACT

Impact AchivedImpact Achived

PoliomielitisPoliomielitis 19621962 19621962 EliminatedEliminatedTétanos NeonatalTétanos Neonatal 19621962 19721972 EliminatedEliminatedDifteriaDifteria 19621962 19791979 EliminatedEliminatedSarampiónSarampión 19711971 19931993 EliminatedEliminatedRubeolaRubeola 19621962 19951995 EliminatedEliminatedParotiditisParotiditis 19861986 19951995 EliminatedEliminatedTos FerinaTos Ferina 19621962 19971997 EliminatedEliminatedSíndrome Rubeola Síndrome Rubeola CongénitaCongénita

19861986 19891989 EliminatedEliminated

Meningoencefalitis Meningoencefalitis Post ParotiditisPost Parotiditis

19861986 19891989 EliminatedEliminated

TétanosTétanos 19621962 19921992 rate rate < 0,1 x < 0,1 x 1010 5 5 HbHb

H. InfluenzaeH. Influenzae tipo tipo BB

19991999 20012001 rate rate < 0,1 x < 0,1 x 10 10 5 5 HbHb

Hepatitis B Hepatitis B < 20 < 20 aañosños

19921992 20012001 rate rate < 0,1 x < 0,1 x 1010 5 5 HbHb

Meningoencefalitis Meningoencefalitis MeningocóccicaMeningocóccica

19881988 20012001 << 96 % Mortality 96 % Mortality< 93< 93 % % MorbidityMorbidity

89,7% of effectiveness in 89,7% of effectiveness in the meteorological the meteorological forecastingforecasting

Sistematical Sistematical Sismological Monitoring Sismological Monitoring

PRIORIZED SERVICES:PRIORIZED SERVICES:

WOMEN IN SCIENCES IN CUBA:WOMEN IN SCIENCES IN CUBA:

CUBA TODAY: CUBA TODAY: ININDEXES OF FEMALE PARTICIPATION DEXES OF FEMALE PARTICIPATION

IN PRIORIZED PROGRAMS IN PRIORIZED PROGRAMS

AEREA % OF TECHNICAL FORCE % OF LEADERSHIPHEALTH 79,9 35,8EDUCATION 70,2 48,6TOURISM 52,0 25,0SCIENCE &TECHNOLOGY 65,3 * 26,1 *SUGAR AGRO-INDUSTRY 33,9 10,5 AGRICULTURE 32, 6 11,6COPERATIVE SECTOR 28,2 14,4

Being visible:Being visible:COMMISSION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCES:COMMISSION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCES:

In Cuba, The Commission of Women in Sciences in the Cuban In Cuba, The Commission of Women in Sciences in the Cuban Academy of Sciences was founded as the TWOWS National Academy of Sciences was founded as the TWOWS National Chapter in June 2000Chapter in June 2000. The Chapter, together with a Section . The Chapter, together with a Section of Women in Sciences belonging to the Cuban Academy of of Women in Sciences belonging to the Cuban Academy of Sciences has until now 120 members.Sciences has until now 120 members.

Cuban women in Physics have been especially activeCuban women in Physics have been especially active, , participating and organizing Conferences, Round Tables, etc, in participating and organizing Conferences, Round Tables, etc, in different Universities, Scientific institutions and Internationa different Universities, Scientific institutions and Internationa activities as IUPAP Meeting for Women in Physics. Some of them as activities as IUPAP Meeting for Women in Physics. Some of them as have developed a strong activity, studying and popularizing the have developed a strong activity, studying and popularizing the gender issues.gender issues.

In Cuba, an Annual Prize was created to stimulate 5 of the In Cuba, an Annual Prize was created to stimulate 5 of the best scientific results having a woman as first author.best scientific results having a woman as first author. The The prizes are dedicated to the branches of Exact and Natural Sciences, prizes are dedicated to the branches of Exact and Natural Sciences, Biomedicine, Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Technical Biomedicine, Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Technical Sciences and Engineering. The Women in Science Prizes are Sciences and Engineering. The Women in Science Prizes are selected from the basis of the National Awards of the Cuban selected from the basis of the National Awards of the Cuban Academy of Sciences, guaranteeing a rigorous scientific analysis. Academy of Sciences, guaranteeing a rigorous scientific analysis.

Since 2003 was founded, in coordination with the Since 2003 was founded, in coordination with the Sofia Sofia Kovalievskaia FoundationKovalievskaia Foundation,, directed by the prestigious directed by the prestigious personalities of USA, Ann and Neal Koblitz, an Award every two personalities of USA, Ann and Neal Koblitz, an Award every two years, for the best three works in Basic Sciences directed by Cuban years, for the best three works in Basic Sciences directed by Cuban women. women. This year, March 2009This year, March 2009, we celebrated the Fourth Edition of , we celebrated the Fourth Edition of the Award.the Award.

Caribbean Academy of SciencesCaribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) Conference held in (CAS) Conference held in Guadaloupe in 2000 and in Havana in 2001, were good Guadaloupe in 2000 and in Havana in 2001, were good opportunities to joint women doing sciences in the Caribbean opportunities to joint women doing sciences in the Caribbean and interested in gender issues. and interested in gender issues.

This action opened the idea and the financial support of CAS for This action opened the idea and the financial support of CAS for organizing, in Trinidad and Tobago the organizing, in Trinidad and Tobago the Conference on Key Conference on Key issues facing women in Science in the Caribbeanissues facing women in Science in the Caribbean held from held from 29th April to 2nd May, 2001, and were many of us had the 29th April to 2nd May, 2001, and were many of us had the possibility to joint information, with a paper as a result titled possibility to joint information, with a paper as a result titled Preliminary remarks on the situation of women in science and Preliminary remarks on the situation of women in science and technology in the Caribbeantechnology in the Caribbean by Lilliam Alvarez, Veronica by Lilliam Alvarez, Veronica Broomes, Grace Sirju-Charran and Rinia Doelhalasori. Broomes, Grace Sirju-Charran and Rinia Doelhalasori.

Some young Cuban women scientists were Some young Cuban women scientists were recommended to participate in some Conferences and recommended to participate in some Conferences and also to support some fellowship proposalalso to support some fellowship proposal. One of the more . One of the more relevant was the participation of one theoretical physicist in a relevant was the participation of one theoretical physicist in a short term training short term training in in Fermilab Fermilab in USA, supported by the APS. in USA, supported by the APS.

The Conferences of the International Union for Pure and Applied The Conferences of the International Union for Pure and Applied Physics on Women are celebrated every two years and some Physics on Women are celebrated every two years and some physicists from Latin American countries have obtained funds physicists from Latin American countries have obtained funds to participate, especially from Brasil, Argentina, Mexico, to participate, especially from Brasil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia and Cuba, many of them TWOWS members. We had Colombia and Cuba, many of them TWOWS members. We had the opportunity to debate our problems and the opportunity to debate our problems and to compare to compare different points of views with European and North-American different points of views with European and North-American women in Physics.women in Physics.

IBEROAMERICAN CONFERENCESIBEROAMERICAN CONFERENCES S&T AND GENDERS&T AND GENDER

FOUNDED BY EULALIA PEREZ SEDENO, CONSUELO MIQUEO, FOUNDED BY EULALIA PEREZ SEDENO, CONSUELO MIQUEO, MARI LIRES….AND MANY OTHER HIGHLY RECOGNIZED MARI LIRES….AND MANY OTHER HIGHLY RECOGNIZED SPANISH SCIENTISTS…SPANISH SCIENTISTS…

I – 4I – 4THTH EDTIONS HELD IN SAPAIN EDTIONS HELD IN SAPAIN Especial reference deserves the Especial reference deserves the V CONGRESO V CONGRESO

IBEROAMERICANO DE CIENCIA, TECNOLOGÍA Y GÉNERO, IBEROAMERICANO DE CIENCIA, TECNOLOGÍA Y GÉNERO, held in Mexico City,held in Mexico City, on February 2004. the coordinator and on February 2004. the coordinator and main organizer and promoting person was main organizer and promoting person was Dra. Dra. Norma Norma BlazquezBlazquez The Congress was developed en the The Congress was developed en the Universidad Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), , with the purpose of with the purpose of joining those persons in joining those persons in IberoamericaIberoamerica working or working or interested in themes related with S&T from a Gender interested in themes related with S&T from a Gender perspective.perspective.

77THTH EDITION HEL IN HAVANA, CUBA IN 2008. EDITION HEL IN HAVANA, CUBA IN 2008. The objective was to analyze the current situation of women in The objective was to analyze the current situation of women in

the Science and Technology Systems in Latin America and Spain, the Science and Technology Systems in Latin America and Spain, to explore to explore the negative consequences that could cause the the negative consequences that could cause the exclusion of gender issuesexclusion of gender issues in the practices, contents, organization in the practices, contents, organization and future strategies. Also, the Conference has the and future strategies. Also, the Conference has the purpose of purpose of promoting equitative presence of women in all levels. promoting equitative presence of women in all levels.

THE NEXT EDITION WILL TAKE PLACE IN CURITIBA-BRAZIL, APRIL THE NEXT EDITION WILL TAKE PLACE IN CURITIBA-BRAZIL, APRIL 2010.2010.

WOMEN IN SCIENCES WOMEN IN SCIENCES The Caribbean: The Caribbean:

Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Dominican Republic, Bermudas….Suriname, Dominican Republic, Bermudas….

The CaribbeanThe Caribbean It is necessary to recall that, concentrating It is necessary to recall that, concentrating

the analysis the analysis in the Caribbean Region, big in the Caribbean Region, big gaps appear in the socio-economics gaps appear in the socio-economics conditions of our small countriesconditions of our small countries, going , going from Mexico and Cuba to Central America from Mexico and Cuba to Central America countries (except Costa Rica, maybe) and countries (except Costa Rica, maybe) and Haiti as the extreme cases. Haiti as the extreme cases.

Cuba exhibits the best situation in the Cuba exhibits the best situation in the subjective aspects,subjective aspects, and in this sense and in this sense already has a long distance ahead its already has a long distance ahead its neighbors. However women in sciences still neighbors. However women in sciences still face serious economical troubles, in their face serious economical troubles, in their everyday and scientific lives.everyday and scientific lives.

Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago is in a better is in a better economical situation, but still prevail big economical situation, but still prevail big economical inequities and many subjective economical inequities and many subjective and subjacent and subjacent andocentricandocentric and pre- and pre-conceived assumptions. conceived assumptions.

Mayra de la Torres recently has appointed Mayra de la Torres recently has appointed her observation: In Jamaica a Program is her observation: In Jamaica a Program is needed to call needed to call BOYSBOYS to study SCIENCES…to study SCIENCES…but prevails the discrimination of women in but prevails the discrimination of women in all spheres of the society….all spheres of the society….

Individual Caribbean WOMEN IN SCIENCES in the last 10 Individual Caribbean WOMEN IN SCIENCES in the last 10 years, have been very active promoting gender issues in years, have been very active promoting gender issues in their countriestheir countries. We have had very good reference on the work of . We have had very good reference on the work of Helen Asemota and other colleagues form the University of West Helen Asemota and other colleagues form the University of West Indies, Mona Campus. Indies, Mona Campus.

Through the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, we could Through the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, we could have contact with women in Trinidad and Tobago and have contact with women in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, as Grace Sirju-Charran and Veronica Broomes,Guyana, as Grace Sirju-Charran and Veronica Broomes, having the possibility to study some statistics and to discuss having the possibility to study some statistics and to discuss common problems facing women doing Sciences in the Caribbean common problems facing women doing Sciences in the Caribbean as the followings: leadership problems, Tendency of girls to Med as the followings: leadership problems, Tendency of girls to Med Sciences and Education as traditional vestiges, under Sciences and Education as traditional vestiges, under representation of women in basic sciences as Mathematics, representation of women in basic sciences as Mathematics, Physics, migration and brain drain (common for males and females Physics, migration and brain drain (common for males and females for all the Third World), under representation of women in scientific for all the Third World), under representation of women in scientific decision levels, gender bias in the text books in all levels and in decision levels, gender bias in the text books in all levels and in the scientific vocabulary and scientific literature, masculinity of the scientific vocabulary and scientific literature, masculinity of Science, stereotypes (masculine to be a good scientist, masculine Science, stereotypes (masculine to be a good scientist, masculine to be good head of department, masculine to be a good Dean, to to be good head of department, masculine to be a good Dean, to be a good chief!); pour Science Education in basic sciences in be a good chief!); pour Science Education in basic sciences in Primary and Secondary levels, (Cuba is an exception in this point), Primary and Secondary levels, (Cuba is an exception in this point), occupational segregation. occupational segregation.

THE THIRD WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR THE THIRD WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE (TWOWS)WOMEN IN SCIENCE (TWOWS)

Promoting Women’s Participation and Promoting Women’s Participation and Contribution to Science in Developing Contribution to Science in Developing

CountriesCountries

THE THIRD WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR THE THIRD WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE (TWOWS)WOMEN IN SCIENCE (TWOWS)

Promoting Women’s Participation and Promoting Women’s Participation and Contribution to Science in Developing Contribution to Science in Developing

CountriesCountries

…….“Talent is the duty to employ it in benefit of the homeless”.“Talent is the duty to employ it in benefit of the homeless”José MartíJosé MartíCuban HeroCuban Hero

From the Latin American and From the Latin American and Caribbean Report:Caribbean Report:

Since Budapest 1999, an important step was the organization of Since Budapest 1999, an important step was the organization of the the TWOWS National ChaptersTWOWS National Chapters in our countries. This in our countries. This task was difficult to organize, because of different causes. The task was difficult to organize, because of different causes. The activism of the members was required and not in every case was a activism of the members was required and not in every case was a successful project. successful project.

From the Latin American and From the Latin American and Caribbean Report:Caribbean Report:

Since Budapest 1999, an important step was the organization of Since Budapest 1999, an important step was the organization of the the TWOWS National ChaptersTWOWS National Chapters in our countries. This in our countries. This task was difficult to organize, because of different causes. The task was difficult to organize, because of different causes. The activism of the members was required and not in every case was a activism of the members was required and not in every case was a successful project. successful project.

Bangalore, India, November 2005Bangalore, India, November 2005

TWOWSTWOWS NATIONAL CHAPTERS MUST BE NATIONAL CHAPTERS MUST BE RE-VITALIZAEDRE-VITALIZAED

TWASTWAS AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL BODIES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL BODIES FOR S&T REQUIRE TO BE “ENGENDERED”, FOR S&T REQUIRE TO BE “ENGENDERED”, (TWAS- nowadays…< 10 % OF (TWAS- nowadays…< 10 % OF MEMBERSHIP…), MEMBERSHIP…),

Other Academies ?, IAP, IANAS, …..Councils Other Academies ?, IAP, IANAS, …..Councils ?..?..

...Cuban Academy of Sciences has ...Cuban Academy of Sciences has 28 %28 % of Women in its membership…..2 women in of Women in its membership…..2 women in the Council….(10 members..)the Council….(10 members..)

TASK FORCE – WORKING DOCUMENT TASK FORCE – WORKING DOCUMENT

“GENDER, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE “GENDER, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD: DEVELOPING WORLD:

PRIORITIES FOR PRIORITIES FOR SOUTH-SOUTHSOUTH-SOUTH ANDAND NORTH-SOUTH NORTH-SOUTH

COOPERATION” COOPERATION”

Prepared byPrepared byProf. Dr. Farida Shah and Dr. Lilliam AlvarezProf. Dr. Farida Shah and Dr. Lilliam Alvarez

(Malaysia) (Cuba)(Malaysia) (Cuba)

MEXICO, 2008, REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE

FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE

REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE

PROPOSAL FOR A TWAS STRATEGIC PLAN

The recommendations to TWAS Council on policy issues and strategies The recommendations to TWAS Council on policy issues and strategies related to related to Empowering women in S&TEmpowering women in S&T in the developing world in the developing world propose propose

that:that:

A framework should be defined on how the standing A framework should be defined on how the standing committee can implement its programs and projects.committee can implement its programs and projects.

A framework should be defined on how TWAS can assist TWOWS Strategic Plan 2009.

Realistic funds and resource mobilization strategies for pursuing some of the programs listed below.

Programs be organized under the broad headings as listed below with various projects to be

undertaken by TWAS, TWOWS or togetherundertaken by TWAS, TWOWS or together


Research projectsResearch projects

A main theme of research which will foster collaboration A main theme of research which will foster collaboration between TWOWS regional membersbetween TWOWS regional members

Research Programs forResearch Programs for Regional or National benefit Regional or National benefit

such as:such as:• Women’s Health and Reproductive health , Women’s Health and Reproductive health ,

• Women and Menopause, Women and Menopause, • Traditional medicine and nutraceuticals for TWOWS Traditional medicine and nutraceuticals for TWOWS

membersmembers• LOCAL DevelopmentLOCAL Development

ACTIONS TO INCREASE THE ACTIONS TO INCREASE THE VISIBILITY:VISIBILITY:

Multiplying the effortsMultiplying the efforts, (up to now , (up to now we have been individuals or few we have been individuals or few groups in the promotion and calling groups in the promotion and calling the attention)the attention)

Working with MEDIAWorking with MEDIA - Radio, - Radio, Television, Newspapers……. Television, Newspapers…….

A MASSIVE CAMPAIGNA MASSIVE CAMPAIGN FOR FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE IS NEEDED……WOMEN IN SCIENCE IS NEEDED……

To organize Workshops on To organize Workshops on

"Best Practices in the Promotion of "Best Practices in the Promotion of Women in Science and Technology".Women in Science and Technology".

These events could be very useful for comparing These events could be very useful for comparing strategies, as well as developing strategies, as well as developing new toolsnew tools for for possible implementation by governments, possible implementation by governments, universities, industry, and academia.universities, industry, and academia.

SOME IDEAS FOR MORE VISIBILITY OF WOMEN IN SCIENCES….SOME IDEAS FOR MORE VISIBILITY OF WOMEN IN SCIENCES….

Career development/Training programs Career development/Training programs /leadership training/leadership training

• In order to prepare the next generationIn order to prepare the next generation of Women in sciences of Women in sciences leaders, it is possible to propose a 5-year project, leaders, it is possible to propose a 5-year project,

"Young Women Leaders", "Young Women Leaders", where some women selected from different parts of the world will where some women selected from different parts of the world will

be mentored and prepared to take leading positions be mentored and prepared to take leading positions • To design and organize To design and organize

““Mentorship Programs”. Mentorship Programs”. Pivotal to the strong participation of women in S&T is the existence Pivotal to the strong participation of women in S&T is the existence

of strong mentorship programs, whereby young women professors, of strong mentorship programs, whereby young women professors, researchers in government or industries as mentors who they could researchers in government or industries as mentors who they could go to regularly for advice/counsel. go to regularly for advice/counsel.

• A great problem worldwide is A great problem worldwide is the RETENTION of women the RETENTION of women scientistsscientists and engineersand engineers, and mentorship is often a , and mentorship is often a successful tool to career pursuit and development. successful tool to career pursuit and development.


Career development/Training programs Career development/Training programs /leadership training/leadership training

To find mechanisms To find mechanisms to ensure and monitor that to ensure and monitor that women and girls are not excluded from S&T women and girls are not excluded from S&T activitiesactivities throughout the developing world throughout the developing world

To develop the capacity of institutions, To develop the capacity of institutions, organizations and agencies involved in S&T for organizations and agencies involved in S&T for

developing activities and to collect developing activities and to collect gender gender disaggregated data ,disaggregated data , documenting constraints documenting constraints and progress in expanding the role of women in and progress in expanding the role of women in

science and technology in the developing world.science and technology in the developing world.


Education/ Awareness Programs Education/ Awareness Programs

To organize, design and formalize plans To organize, design and formalize plans

to publish profiles of successful women to publish profiles of successful women scientists in the developing worldscientists in the developing world

as as “role models”“role models” for the young generation for the young generation and distribute the information worldwideand distribute the information worldwide

To design To design effective Programs to effective Programs to support and encourage talented young support and encourage talented young female scientists.female scientists.


Networking South-South and Networking South-South and South-North CooperationSouth-North Cooperation

a Portal for a Portal for ““Network and a Virtual community”Network and a Virtual community”

for Women in Sciences, for Women in Sciences, in ICSU, IANAS, IAP, TWAS websitein ICSU, IANAS, IAP, TWAS website, within , within which all which all the regional websites of TWOWSthe regional websites of TWOWS National Chapters and National Chapters and other Cathedras, Organizations, Institutions for Science, Tech and other Cathedras, Organizations, Institutions for Science, Tech and

Gender can be hyperlinked.Gender can be hyperlinked.

To To utilize structures, policies, regulatory frameworks, explicit and tacit utilize structures, policies, regulatory frameworks, explicit and tacit intellectual knowledge, activities and relationships among intellectual knowledge, activities and relationships among NGOs,NGOs,

international organizations, the public and private institutions, international organizations, the public and private institutions, infrastructures and industries throughout the developing world, working infrastructures and industries throughout the developing world, working together to contribute towards the utilization of S&T for the development, together to contribute towards the utilization of S&T for the development,

the identification of S&T projects with gender perspectives and the the identification of S&T projects with gender perspectives and the implementation and monitoring the socio-economical impacts of these implementation and monitoring the socio-economical impacts of these

initiativesinitiatives..


Networking South-South and South- North Cooperation:Networking South-South and South- North Cooperation:

Mailing lists and emails will be used to facilitate these Mailing lists and emails will be used to facilitate these activities.activities.

The approach will seek to develop viable and practical resource The approach will seek to develop viable and practical resource mobilization strategies by working closely with international mobilization strategies by working closely with international

donors and foundations, the private sector and NGOs. donors and foundations, the private sector and NGOs.

To recommend Programs that promote To recommend Programs that promote South-South cooperationSouth-South cooperation

and organization of regional meetings and workshops on gender and organization of regional meetings and workshops on gender issues in Science & Technology, including issues in Science & Technology, including exchanges on exchanges on

achievements of women scientists.achievements of women scientists.

To support South-South and South-North Exchange for Lectureship To support South-South and South-North Exchange for Lectureship Programs of Programs of

Relevant Scientific women living in Relevant Scientific women living in the developing countries.the developing countries.

Increasing participation of women at Increasing participation of women at decision making levelsdecision making levels

To recommend that To recommend that a Canvassing Committee of 6-9 a Canvassing Committee of 6-9 membersmembers, (women and men), be established to , (women and men), be established to

aggressively seek nominations of aggressively seek nominations of

Meritorious WomenMeritorious Women of the developing world of the developing world

for membership in TWAS. for membership in TWAS.

This is key to enhancing the proportion of women This is key to enhancing the proportion of women members in TWASmembers in TWAS

To identify women scientists who successfully reached To identify women scientists who successfully reached high level leadership positions in academic, government high level leadership positions in academic, government or private sector: Task Force to advise IAP, ICSU, IANAS, or private sector: Task Force to advise IAP, ICSU, IANAS,

TWAS, National Acadmies !!! to pay more attention to TWAS, National Acadmies !!! to pay more attention to increasing women in its membership increasing women in its membership

by identifying those leading women by identifying those leading women scientistsscientists

To promote and to adopt a nonsexist, inclusive language To promote and to adopt a nonsexist, inclusive language policy policy

to cover all written and verbal to cover all written and verbal communicationscommunications..

Screen and edit Screen and edit curriculacurricula materials for gender bias. materials for gender bias.

• To promote the identification and To promote the identification and

fight against fight against subtle formssubtle forms of discrimination of discrimination

against women in science and technology. against women in science and technology.

• The more difficult it is to prove discriminatory The more difficult it is to prove discriminatory practices, the much harder it is to deal with and practices, the much harder it is to deal with and

remedy these situations.remedy these situations.


Presentation of Awards Presentation of Awards To establish Annual REGIONAL, AMERICAN, To establish Annual REGIONAL, AMERICAN,

LATINAMERICAN, CARIBBEAN AwardsLATINAMERICAN, CARIBBEAN Awards: : one for the Outstanding Woman Researcher in the one for the Outstanding Woman Researcher in the

developing world and another for Young Women doing developing world and another for Young Women doing sciences in the developing world. The awards should sciences in the developing world. The awards should

be named after women from the South, no longer alive, be named after women from the South, no longer alive, who have made great contributions to their fields. who have made great contributions to their fields.

To propose promotion for prizes similarTo propose promotion for prizes similar to that to that of the L’OREAL – UNESCO five annual prizes for of the L’OREAL – UNESCO five annual prizes for

women in science all over the world, the women in science all over the world, the Clara Benson Clara Benson AwardAward, given annually to an outstanding woman in , given annually to an outstanding woman in

Chemistry in Canada, the Chemistry in Canada, the Awards of the Awards of the KovalievskaiaKovalievskaia FoundationFoundation,, etc



PROPOSAL OF ACTION PLAN 2009- 2010PROPOSAL OF ACTION PLAN 2009- 2010

FOR LATIN AMERICA, THE CARIBBEAN AND AFRICA, TO ORGANIZE TWO WORKSHOPS:

1.1. Tanzania, January , 2010: Tanzania, January , 2010: “Young African women: “Young African women: sharing experiences”sharing experiences”

2.2. Curitiba, Brazil, April, 2010: Curitiba, Brazil, April, 2010: “VIII IBEROAMERICAN “VIII IBEROAMERICAN CONGRESS FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND CONGRESS FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND GENDER ”GENDER ”

TWAS ADVISORY BOARD+

TWOWS EXECUTIVE BOARD(Trieste, March, 2009.)

•DECIDED:DECIDED:

- - TWAS-TWOWS JOINT PROJECTS TWAS-TWOWS JOINT PROJECTS - Young Women Scientist Workshops - Young Women Scientist Workshops

- Compilation of Top Women in S&T in the Developing World - Compilation of Top Women in S&T in the Developing World - TWAS_TWOWS PORTAL- Web - Site - TWAS_TWOWS PORTAL- Web - Site

- Awards for Young Women - Awards for Young Women - Support for Active National Chapters - Support for Active National Chapters

- - Organization of a successful Fourth TWOWS General Organization of a successful Fourth TWOWS General Assembly in Beijing - June, 2010Assembly in Beijing - June, 2010

Concluding facts:Concluding facts: BUDAPEST + 10BUDAPEST + 10

The lack of allocation of government and international funds to develop The lack of allocation of government and international funds to develop and maintain our work of promotion of girls and women in sciencesand maintain our work of promotion of girls and women in scienceshas been has been the “the “Aquiles talonAquiles talon”,”, of our job and responsibilities. of our job and responsibilities.

BUT BEYOND OF THAT, BUT BEYOND OF THAT, WE NEED THE INTEGRATION OF ALL OF USWE NEED THE INTEGRATION OF ALL OF US,,

Joining actions not splitting funds….Joining actions not splitting funds….

IT IS TIME TO RECOGNIZE IT IS TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE OBVIOUS:THE OBVIOUS:

SCIENCE LOOSES A HIGH POTENTIAL NOT INCLUDING SCIENCE LOOSES A HIGH POTENTIAL NOT INCLUDING MORE WOMEN IN R&DMORE WOMEN IN R&D

COUNTRIES CAN NOT ASPIRE TO DEVELOPMENT, IF COUNTRIES CAN NOT ASPIRE TO DEVELOPMENT, IF WOMEN DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ALL SPHERES,WOMEN DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ALL SPHERES,

S&T AND DECISION LEVELSS&T AND DECISION LEVELS

“WOMEN IN SCIENCES”

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Transcript of “WOMEN IN SCIENCES”