188体育

• Five renowned Peruvian female scientists participated in an encounter with 50 girls between the ages of 12 and 14 years old, in an event co-organised by the British Embassy, Concytec and the British Peruvian Cultural Association 鈥� Brit谩nico.
• The activity fostered thought-provoking dialogue amongst the girls on the importance and relevance of having women in science, and sought to promote careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)

The British Embassy in Lima, together with CONCYTEC and the British Peruvian Cultural Association (BRIT脕NICO), organised the event on 11 February 2019 鈥淗ablemos de Ciencia frente al Mar鈥� (鈥淟et鈥檚 talk about science by the sea鈥�) at La Estrella beach (Miraflores), to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 50 girls between the ages of 12 and 14 years old were selected in an online contest to spend the day with women scientists that are contributing to Peru鈥檚 development.

The participating scientists were: Sara Purca, doctor in Oceanography from the Universidad de Concepcion (Chile); M贸nica G贸mez, doctor in Science with a mention in Physics from the Universidad Nacional de Ingenier铆a; Zully Puyen, doctor in microbiology from the Instituto Nacional de Salud; Johanna Alfaro, doctor in biological sciences from the Universidad Cient铆fica del Sur; and Giovanna Sotil, doctoral candidate in biological sciences from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos.

During the seaside encounter, the scientists shared details about their professional careers, difficulties they faced, and their passion for science.

The event was attended by Colin Gray, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General of the British Embassy; Dra. Fabiola Le贸n-Velarde, president of CONCYTEC, and Gonzalo de C谩rdenas, General Manager of BRIT脕NICO. The participants were also introduced to the British minicomputer known as Raspberry Pi, a low-cost device that is ideal for creative and educational purposes, thanks to Generaci贸n Tec.

In his remarks at the event, Colin Gray said:

I am proud to see such enthusiasm from this group of girls who have spent the morning talking and learning from women leaders in science, namely: Peruvian scientists and researchers who have been contributing to the development of the country. It is everyone鈥檚 responsibility to ensure that every girl in Peru has the opportunity to reach her full potential with a quality education. I thank our partners, CONCYTEC and BRIT脕NICO, for their valuable support鈥�.

The gender gap in STEM still persists in Peru. Even though women represent 57% of those who finish their undergraduate studies, only 33% of them decide to pursue a career in STEM, showing the need for women leaders in these areas. The British Government鈥檚 #LeaveNoGirlBehind campaign aims to promote a quality education for girls all around the world.