International Day of Women and Girls in Science

As part of the commemorative activities for the celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the City of Knowledge Foundation organized together with the Science movement in Panama, SENACYT and the United States Embassy, the Third Women and Girls in Science Forum.

The Forum began with a special greeting sent by Ericka Podest, a Panamanian scientist working at NASA, who mentioned that “science broadens the vision of the why things are the way they are. From here I study the impacts of climate change on different terrestrial ecosystems, which requires passion and discipline. Today there are more women in NASA than ever before, women who are breaking paradigms and facing the great challenges of our times.”

The event had a panel of experts in science, moderated by Dr. Xavier Sáez – Llorens, with the theme of “leadership as a tool for women in science.” The panel was made up by Markoba Concepción, Minister of Social Development; Dr. Paulina Franceschi, microbiologist and advisor to national and international organizations; and Lina Solís Castillo – CEO, Genetix Clinical Laboratory.

A very special part of the activity was the presentation “Tools for an assertive leadership”, which was provided by Natalia Vega, a public health specialist, and with the participation of the social communicator Marisol Guizado, who spoke about the Platform Panamá en Positivo, which disseminates and rewards good practices that occur in the country.

The Third Women and Girls in Science Forum was held thanks to the UN general assembly decreed that February 11 was to be the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This year the theme was focused on providing tools and testimonials about female leadership and decision making.