The EULiST Alliance and the Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit (UCC+I) organised the first SCI WOMEN PARTY to mark the celebration on 11 February. This initiative brought together women involved in science from the academic, social and business worlds to share experiences and reflections on the presence of women in their respective fields.
The first edition of the SCI WOMEN PARTY coincided with the commemoration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, declared by the United Nations on 11 February 2015. More than a decade after this proclamation, the URJC brought together sixteen women with different profiles but with one common denominator: their relationship with science. This initiative sought to create a space for reflection on the presence of women in the field of research, but also in management positions in their companies or institutions.
The different professional trajectories and personal experiences, as well as generational, social and cultural differences, have enriched this forum. During the session, some difficulties were analysed, but also the achievements made. In addition, the challenges and lines of action that can be carried out to make the contribution of women in public bodies, scientific institutions, the private sector and society in general more visible were addressed.
The conclusions of this initiative will be published in a guide to best practices, which can be used to eliminate gender stereotypes that still limit scientific vocations among girls and women. The conference was organised by the EULiST Alliance and the Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit (UCC+I) of the Vice-Rectorate for Research, Doctoral Studies and Libraries.
Next steps at international level:
The EULiST Alliance, together with the UCC+I, will promote this initiative among the members of the consortium with the aim of holding an international conference. On this occasion, partners from the ten European universities will participate in order to share the different experiences and perspectives of each country.
With this proposal, the URJC will reinforce its commitment to the network, promoting actions at European level to promote equal opportunities in science.