The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was celebrated on 11th February.
According to the United Nations, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women, at the present moment. Although we are achieving new positions and reaching new spaces in industries and institutions, we still need more representation. Gender equality is urgent, and it is one of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all United Nations Member States.
That is why we are pleased to have incredible women in our team, representing their cities and regions and building a citizen science network. We have amazing male and female people involved in our group, promoting science and advocating for biodiversity and conservation.
Photo: Jeymmy Walteros Rodriguez engaging students in Pereira, Colombia.
In this past week, we have been sharing inspiring messages from women in our team to celebrate Women and Girls in Science. Check it out some of their encouraging words:
What did you most enjoy about GSB 2020?
“I loved participating in a Project with a noble and supportive objective that anyone could participate, regardless of age, training and / or profession.” Cecilia Ambrogio, Villa Nueva, Córdoba, Argentina
“Encouraging my students to have contact and register living beings.” Eliara Solange Müller, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
“Being able to connect with other inhabitants of the hemisphere and, with each other, show our biodiversity to the world.” Anabela Plos, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“I really enjoyed the collaborative nature of the GSB, bringing together people from different areas, ages and regions, in order to raise scientific knowledge.” Jacqueline de Oliveira Vieira, Luís Correia, Piauí, Brazil.
Do you have a good story about an observation you made in the first GSB edition?
“I am passionate about birds, but what I registered most during GSB 2020 were plants, fungi and insects. I felt that I expanded my knowledge and my way to look at nature inside and outside my house.” Bianca Darski Silva, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
“First photographic record of Chordeiles tnacunda (Corucão) with a twilight habit; the sighting was in the afternoon. Three individuals were flying in circles from side to side of the road.” Carmen Luiza Mazzini Tavares, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
“On the last day of the GSB, we were informed and went to rescue a strand of Minke-Antarctic Whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in Northeast Pará. Unfortunately, the animal died, but it was registered.” Rosângela Souza, Belém, PA, Brazil.
“We set up a light trap at home to register nocturnal insects. A different one appeared, a type of stink bug of the Hydrometridae family, which has only 8 records on iNat. I thought it was amazing!” Renata da Silva Xavier, Manaus, AM, Brazil
“Every day I look at and take pictures of the nature that surrounds me in the Formosa Nature Reserve; but during the GSB, I kept thinking a lot about each photo I took, pursuing the goal of communicating.” Natalia Sol Alfonso, Ingeniero Juárez, Formosa, Argentina.
“I remember being thrilled to get a close register of Anacã (Deroptyus accipitrinus), a very beautiful parrot from the Amazon, difficult to see perched. I was excited, taking pictures non-stop. ”Jessica dos Anjos Oliveira, Alta Floresta, MT, Brazil.
What message do you have for girls who want to get involved in science?
"You have a view that is unique and different, and we need that view. The more different glances, the more prosperous science becomes and the more it can give to humanity." Malena Lorente, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
“Science is the right way for a better society. If you love exploring, seeking solutions to problems and especially nature, do not doubt that you are on the right path." Jeymmy Walteros Rodriguez, Pereira, Colombia.
“The world of science has never been easy for any of us. But together, we support each other, and especially we are inspired to follow the path that defines us. Be strong, we need all of you!” - Renata Emin, Belem, PA, Brazil.
The Great Southern Bioblitz 2021 will be on the 22nd to the 25th October this year. Join us in this initiative to celebrate biodiversity!
If you would like to be involved in setting up a project, please register with us.