11 February: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The United Nations dedicated 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Read more:
http://www.un.org/en/events/women-and-girls-in-science-day/

The team of CHANGE (a project for gender equality in science and research), takes also the opportunity to take a stand for women and girls in science, and shares their thoughts about being a woman in science, engineering and research:

When I was little, I never imagined myself working in science. Now that I am, I am proud of it and I like the spirit of research very much.
I consider myself lucky, because I am constantly meeting new people and gaining new knowledge that I can pass on.

Katja Klun, STEM (Marine Chemistry)

I love to be a scientist because I love to explore, to analyze and to look at objects from all sides.
You get perspectives that would otherwise not be possible and that you might not have expected.
And to be able to have an influence on where the journey and development can go is simply the greatest thing.

Janne Haack (Powder Technology / Microsystems Engineering)

"I love being a woman in science because it allows me to meet my female colleagues from various disciplines,
countries, cultures and generations. Each of them has inspired me (and continues to do so) at some point in my career and I think I am a better person and a scientist because of them. I truly enjoy the sense of sisterhood, friendship and mutual respect I have gained with many of my female colleagues over the years! I hope the future brings new, interesting and fruitful collaborations that will wider my scientific horizons and stimulate me to be even more enthusiastic about the career path I have chosen.

Ana Rotter, STEM (Microbiology / Statistics)

Being a researcher is my dream job. I can be creative and curious, I can ask questions and solve problems,
I can read interesting books and write own articles, talk to people and discuss our work in social media,
I can teach and learn constantly about the world we live in.

Anita Thaler (Psychology / Science, Technology and Society Studies)

I love being a woman in science because it is a everyday learning and challenging experience while inspirational by colleagues all over the world. Being a social scientist and a Professor allows me to exchange different knowledge and views, broadening my professional and personal perspectives, making me more tolerant and passionate about my career choice, and wishing to pass this professional eagerness to others.

Sara Diogo | Social Sciences (Higher Education)

The representation of women in transport oriented higher education and science is relatively low everywhere. When I attended my first international meeting in 2001 I was the only woman there, and I felt like a stranger. Now we are still a minority, however change is slowly coming. To be a woman in transport science is still a challenge, but I like challenges. I believe that collaboration in mixed teams of male and female scientists increases knowledge outcome, and I am happy I can be a part of it.

Dana Sitányiová (Head of the Department of Geotechnics, Faculty of Civil Engineering), University of Žilina

Being a woman in science is a dream come true. The opportunity to be constantly learning, the capacity to produce new knowledge by looking at the reality in a critical and reflexive perspective and the privilege to create singular human relations with students and other colleagues all over the world is absolutely amazing. Being a woman in science is simple part of who I'm!

Teresa Carvalho | Social Sciences (Higher Education)

Working in science means to me not getting bored as the work is very diversified — I am constantly working on different projects handling various issues. It is great that I can take the time to understand problems and to figure out solutions for them. Furthermore I really enjoy the fact that I am working in a big research organization as I am able to communicate and discuss ideas with other scientists and constantly learning from them.

Madlen Baumert (Material Science and Mechanical Engineering)

Being a woman in science is sometimes challenging due to female underrepresentation
in top-level positions, which gives a sense of not having a voice in decision-making.
However, being a woman in science also allows me to do what I love: to do research!
My field of studies is absolutely amazing, allowing me to interact with so many colleagues
from different disciplinary areas and different backgrounds. It is a continuous learning experience!

Zélia Breda (Social Sciences / Tourism)

Since last year in July I have been working as a scientific assistant in a sociological research project.
Science, especially sociology, gives me the opportunity to explore with my colleagues why things are the way they are in our society. Every day I am happy to have the opportunity and the privilege to explore what interests me and to pursue my curiosity.

Astrid Schulz (Sociological Research Assistant)

I love being a woman researcher because it gives me an opportunity for scientifically-based
and creative self-expression, combining multiple skills and competencies.

Hana Himi (Clinical Social worker, Criminologist and Psychotherapist)