We live in a moment in history where women are achieving increasing presence and prominence in different areas of society. But there are areas where progress has been slower than in others, and this is the case of science and biotechnology and above all, in startups in this area led by women.
The clearest example is that only 3% of Nobel Prizes in science have been awarded to women. Currently, UNESCO estimates that worldwide, only 29.3% of women are scientific researchers, while in Chile this figure reaches 33%, but only 18% of them manage to get a job in their area, according to the results of a study conducted by Inter American Development Bank.
Although in recent years there has been greater awareness of the notorious gender inequality in the field of science and different initiatives are being promoted to promote scientific professional development in girls and young women, there are still certain degrees of discrimination.
As a member of the growing group of women working in the scientific field, I can affirm that any path in the area of biotechnology is complex, since many times the achievements of research work are obtained in the long term and it is difficult to find committed visionaries. In addition, for us the environment can become particularly hostile, since it is more difficult for us to find financing or the necessary confidence to move forward in our research or ventures. When it comes to raising private capital, prejudices continue to weigh around motherhood and also the differences due to the lower female access to science education during school years.
But I am convinced that despite all these challenges, we have a lot to contribute in the field of science and biotechnology and there is no impediment to us being able to work in these fields effectively and with good results. Moreover, I believe that we can even be more practical, deliver greater added value and create new solutions to the challenges we are facing today as a society, including the climate crisis, the scarcity of natural resources or the high prevalence of different diseases.
The benefits also apply at the macro level. UNESCO says that promoting equal opportunities in scientific careers helps reduce the gender pay gap, improves economic security, ensures a diverse and talented workforce, and avoids bias.
Therefore, my message to girls, young women and women who want to dedicate themselves to the scientific world is to trust ourselves more, to keep going even when they want to obscure you and have patience with the results. The scientific world needs us and the impact we can achieve knows no bounds.
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The content expressed in this opinion column is the sole responsibility of its author, and does not necessarily reflect the editorial line or position of El Mostrador.
