Yet again this year, Isdefe took part in the "11 February Initiative" to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which aims to make the work of women scientists visible, promote women's roles in the field of science and encourage young women to pursue careers in science.
The CSR Unit, coordinated by Roció Beltrán, is inviting Isdefe's female professionals to volunteer in this effort and deliver inspirational talks in schools.
This initiative was again well received by Isdefe's professionals. On this occasion, eight women and one man volunteered, giving a total of 14 talks in 9 schools, reaching 820 preschool, primary and secondary education students.
This volunteering activity has been well received by the company's workforce due to the characteristics of Isdefe’s staff, 87% of whom have engineering or science degrees.
Through this volunteering activity, Isdefe is contributing to two Sustainable Development Goals, vital to achieving the 2030 Agenda; specifically, to SDG4 "Quality education" and SDG5 "Gender equality".
The scope and outreach of the initiative have been very well received, since it focuses on the company's main asset: highly qualified people with extensive technological knowledge.
The International Days provide an opportunity to raise awareness on issues of great public interest, and on 11 February, the focus is on the gender gap in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In Spain, a group of scientific researchers and communicators launched in 2016 the "February 11 Initiative", a platform to organise activities that join in the celebration of this day with the aim of achieving access and full and equal participation in science for women and girls, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Isdefe volunteers have given the following lectures:
Begoña Rojo Carralero, Chat: "What does an engineer do? Do you know?" in person at the IDEO School (Alcobendas, Madrid) and addressed to 11th graders.
Patricia Ortiz Ugalde, Talk: "Engineering is for me too", at the SAN IGNACIO HLHI School in Getxo (Vizcaya), in person, to 5th and 6th graders.
Susana Villalba Merino, Talk: "Artemisa, the NASA mission that will put the first woman on the Moon", in person at the Sabino Fernández Campo aimed at 9th and 10th graders.
Julia López Silva, Talk: "My experience as a woman in science", in person at the Jaime Vera School directed to 8th and 9th graders.
Beatriz Carazo Ortiz, Talk: "Adventures and misadventures of an industrial engineer", at the Nuestra Señora del Pilar school, in person, addressed to 10th graders.
Beatriz Sandias Leite, Talk: "From girl to scientist. Neither pink nor blue, grey matter", at the Parque Eugenia de Montijo School, through a guided tour of a cartoon exhibit, aimed at 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders.
María Belén Rodríguez García, Talk: "Science is also a girl thing", online to 7th graders at the Enrique Tierno Galván Institute (2 groups)
Raquel Ruiz de la Reina, Talk: "A look at Biomedical Engineering" at the Nuestra Señora del Pilar school, in person, addressed to 10th graders.
Web platform of the Initiative 11defebrero.org