Today we will not talk about the gap between the words ‘women’ and ‘STEM’ (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics). Today we will focus on how much curiosity, determination and network are important in a world in which women still struggle to affirm themselves.
The European environment is more dynamic
I recently graduated in Mathematical Engineering. Few years ago, during my Erasmus experience in Lisbon I had the chance to meet and engage with female engineers and mathematicians. First of all, I noticed that the European environment is more dynamic than the Italian one I was used to.
My luck was to get in touch with older and more mature girls than me. Moreover, studying abroad guarantees the opportunity to relate yourself to people who decided to get involved and to face new challenges.
Determination & Curiosity
In my own experience, witnessing the determination of my female colleagues has been a great support and it has ensured that my future choices continued to be guided mostly by my curiosity. In fact, since I was a child I showed a special interest in scientific subjects, mainly for mathematics.
The awareness of being part of a minority has arrived over time. This does not rely on my personal experience with professors, neither on the relations with my colleagues who I have always seen as equals. But for example, looking back I only see three female professors out of fifteen who taught my classes.
The situation does not improve if we read the gender report 2020 of my University. The gap is surely determined by a cultural heritage difficult to tackle and by the lack of laws to protect women in working environments.
I am aware that skills and knowledge have no gender.
In the meantime, as part of the STEM women community I am aware that skills and knowledge have no gender. In addition, I believe we have the duty to be inclusive with those who approach the STEM world keeping in mind the possibility to rely on an international and determined network.
