International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Breaking Stereotypes and Following Success Stories

On February 11th, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated, established by the UN in 2015 to recognize the fundamental value of women's contributions to science and technology. It's a valuable opportunity to shine a light on the current situation, particularly in Europe and especially in Italy.

In our country, although women with degrees outnumber men, only one in three choose STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) paths. In Italy, only 15% of female students choose to pursue scientific and technological studies. The reasons? There are many: from deeply rooted gender stereotypes to a lack of awareness about opportunities, to the absence of female role models to inspire new generations.

For this reason, today we want to hear from those who have chosen this path and can share the great opportunities and challenges faced along the way. Francesca Biafora - Sr Engineering and Maintenance Manager, Gioia Lenzoni – Medical Affairs Specialist, Fernanda De Vita – R&D Technician, and Maria Chieregato – QA Pharma Production Specialist, are just a few of the many women at IBSA Italy who have shown and continue to show, through their dedication, how much science needs women and how passion, determination, and expertise can make a difference.

What motivated you to choose a career in STEM?

Fernanda De Vita, on the other hand, shares that her "calling" came at a young age: "Since I was a child, I have always loved science and had a strong curiosity about the nature around us. My favorite TV programs were, in fact, science documentaries."

"STEM represents the future towards which the whole world is heading, with a wide range of job opportunities once the study path is completed," says Maria Chieregato.

For Francesca Biafora, it was the teachers she met along the way and a strong inner desire: "What mattered was the firm conviction that, even though it could seem difficult, there was no reason why I couldn't follow the path I thought was right for me, so a personal... stubbornness."

What were the biggest challenges you faced along the way?

Francesca Biafora had to face a significant obstacle: "My father's skepticism and the perception of often seeing doubt in the eyes of others."

Gioia Lenzoni admits, "Starting with academic research led me to many years of job instability and having to move from one country to another, only to start another career no longer as a young person."

Maria Chieregato also agrees that the path is not easy: "The study path is long and difficult, but it's necessary to understand change critically and logically."

What advice would you give to a young woman thinking of pursuing a STEM career?

Gioia Lenzoni would give the same advice to a woman as she would to a man: "If it's what you want to do, throw yourself into this career, study with curiosity and passion, and the future will be yours. There is no future without scientific progress."
 

"I would suggest distancing yourself from common stereotypes so you don't get influenced by prejudices, and follow your own path without ever betraying yourself. Most of all, I would suggest participating in the silent but tangible revolution that leads to female empowerment," says Francesca Biafora.

Fernanda De Vita emphasizes that passion is fundamental: "I would advise her to be guided primarily by her own passion and the desire to use her ideas to create something useful. I would encourage her because a STEM career can offer exciting opportunities both professionally and personally."

What skills or qualities are most important for success in this field?

For Fernanda De Vita, teamwork is the key to success: "Enthusiasm, motivation, and tenacity are qualities that should never be lacking, along with the willingness to interact and collaborate harmoniously with colleagues."

For Gioia Lenzoni, there are two essential skills: "Experiments, discoveries, and projects don't succeed on the first try, nor on the second. Resilience is needed to keep trying and finally succeed. But critical thinking is also necessary, without which every attempt would be the same as the previous one."

Maria Chieregato is very direct and says that two factors are essential: "An open mind and a willingness to take on new technological challenges."

"Resilience, determination, and continuous commitment are useful skills. An important quality is also knowing how to make diversity a strength," replies Francesca Biafora.

What do you hope to see in the coming years?

Fernanda De Vita has an optimistic vision for the future: "I hope that many professionals, and especially many women who have pursued a STEM path, will contribute effectively to advancing technologies, expanding scientific knowledge, and, above all, successfully facing the challenges that our country will face."

"I hope that new technologies will be implemented to improve the quality of life for people and the environment," says Maria Chieregato for the future.

Gioia Lenzoni recalls a particular event during her studies: "I was participating in a European project, and I discovered that to start it, a certain percentage of the participants had to be women. When I found out, I immediately went to my professor, angry as only a young person can be, and I asked him, 'Did you choose me because I was the best candidate, or because I was a woman?' What I hope for the future is that no one will ever have to ask themselves this question again."
 

A heartfelt thank you to these professionals who decided to share their stories. Today, at IBSA Italy, 47% of our team is made up of women, and the Research & Development division is composed of 70% women professionals. A point of pride for the company, but also a driving force for extraordinary growth, thanks to the professionalism, dedication, and innovation they bring to their work every day.