On December 15, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed February 11 of each year as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Since that day and every year, millions of events are held from all over the world to make visible and encourage present and future women scientists and engineers in their professional careers.

Although it is true that the presence of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers is increasing, there is a great inequality in the proportion of men and women who study technical careers and develop their degree program in this field. Some data from the academic world indicate that the percentage of female students studying engineering is 25%. Considering that in the coming years half of all jobs will be related to engineering, we can assume that the inequality between men and women in this field will continue, and could even be more accentuated.

There are several factors that may influence this inequality: few female references that inspire female students to see technical careers and professions as something attainable and attractive, cultural aspects or education that they experience in their childhood or, simply, something that seems relevant to me: women are more sensitive to social realities and problems than to technological issues. It is remarkable the high percentage of women dedicated to the service of people in the field of medicine or Education.

In the coming years, women have a great opportunity in engineering. Why? Because never have the social and technological spheres been so close as they are now. At no other time have the effects of development technology been so evident in the field of health, human relations, in our own day-to-day life, or in the care of our planet. The possibility of treating diseases such as cancer with genetic modifications in the field of biomedical engineering, the application of techniques based on artificial intelligence to improve our daily lives or the development of new technological solutions that allow us to live in a more sustainable world are some of the examples.

At the Engineering School of the University of Navarrawe are committed to expand our academic programs in this line, with Degrees as Biomedical Engineering or design Industrial, in which in some promotions the female presence has been higher than the male presence. On the other side of the scale there are still careers such as Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical/Electronic Engineering, which have been more in demand by boys. But, even in these, we are beginning to notice an upturn in the female presence and that is good news because women have a great opportunity and responsibility in these fields. Our intuition, practicality and capacity for empathy are also fundamental when it comes to setting limits and redirecting new scientific and technological advances to achieve a fairer and kinder world. At final, a more humane world.

We are not going to deceive ourselves, scientific and technical careers involve great effort and dedication, but our professional vocation should not prevent a life compatible with family and motherhood, which, in my opinion, make us better as people and as professionals. I think it is very important for this idea to permeate the university and business environment and for appropriate initiatives to be promoted so that men and women can reconcile their careers with the care of their children and families in an equitable and balanced way. I feel fortunate to be able to carry out my profession in an institution that promotes not only the professional development of women scientists, but also family reconciliation. This is the only way we can be a reference for our children and students.