- Alifarma recently participated in the Inspira STEAM project, an initiative for the promotion of scientific-technological vocation among 6th grade students.
- We share a brief interview about the experience of Imma, Technical Specialist at Alifarma who collaborated as a mentor in this project.
What is Inspira STEAM?
The Inspira STEAM project (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) is an initiative for the promotion of scientific and technological vocations among students in the 6th grade of primary school. Promoting these professions is a necessity as the number of students opting for this training is decreasing every year and if we refer only to the female group this figure is even lower. This project is promoted by the University of Deusto and has reached other regions thanks to the collaboration of institutions such as the URV.
What motivated you to participate as a mentor in this initiative?
Personally, I would have liked to have had a "STEAM woman" reference when I was her age. Even today there is still a lack of role models and I think it was an opportunity to do my bit.
How would you describe your experience?
Being able to carry out these group mentoring sessions has been a very enriching experience with which to share my experiences and learn from the concerns and thoughts of primary school students. The sessions were organised to cover topics ranging from what STEAM professions are, identifying close references of women scientists and technologists, as well as providing historical references, making stereotypes visible and raising awareness of the need for diversity in scientific and technical professions.
Did you notice a special interest among the mentees in the fact that it was a woman who was doing the mentoring?
I noticed a change in the attitude of the girls, especially when the mixed group was separated and they were much closer and more comfortable to ask questions and give their opinions throughout the session.
Tell us a little about yourself and your career in the world of science and technology, I'm sure many young people could see themselves reflected.
Even at school it was clear to me that my favourite subjects were biology and chemistry, or as we called them "the natus", so after the scientific baccalaureate I ended up studying biochemistry and molecular biology at the URV. There I took other subjects that awakened my interest in nutrition and food. At university, when I was in my third year, I had the opportunity to do an internship in an ingredient application laboratory and as soon as I finished my degree I was able to continue my training as a professional in the food industry, at Alifarma.
What steps do you think can be taken to encourage greater participation of young women in science and technology?
Science outreach programmes aimed at a young audience, training programmes or science stages for young people or initiatives such as this one that make visible the gender stereotypes that we have internalised from a very young age or programmes with which they can identify multiple intelligences can help them to invest in scientific-technical training.
What advice would you give to young girls interested in pursuing a career in science or technology?
Let them be educated in the fields that interest them! Sometimes we end up focusing on these kinds of careers because of choices we make at the age of 14 when we have to choose between studying physics or Latin in high school. If you are interested in science, get an education in it, it is no more difficult than other subjects and, above all, science will never be a gender issue.
Would you encourage other women in your position to participate in such initiatives?
In fact, I would encourage any STEAM professional to participate in this experience. There are mentors in the project and all help is welcome to make our experience visible to the youngest.
Do you want to know more about the Inspira STEAM project? Access its official website
References attached images:
Imma Inspira STEAM