"Realizing the full potential of research means focusing on those who have often been on the margins of this world: women. For too long, top positions in scientific research have been the prerogative of men". Thus the Prime Minister Mario Draghi visiting the Infn laboratories of Gran Sasso, where he announced that he is ready to invest "over 1 billion" to enhance teaching ", also to" overcome gender stereotypes "and bring the percentage" to 35% ".
"Today - said Draghi - there are many more Italian researchers who are affirming themselves at the highest levels. I am thinking of Lucia Votano - who is here with us - the first woman to direct the Gran Sasso Laboratories. And of Fabiola Gianotti, director of the Cern and coordinator of the project that led to the discovery of the Higgs boson. An increasing number of female scientists lead projects that push the frontiers of research forward. These Laboratories, where eight out of 14 project managers are women, are an example for all ".
However, there are still too few girls who choose scientific studies. “Among the young women enrolled in Italian universities - recalled Draghi - only one in five chooses the so-called Stem subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), about half of the men. These are inequalities that start from afar, even from childhood. Another great scientist, Margherita Hack, recalled this in 2010, speaking of the importance of having parents who had not transmitted behaviors linked to gender stereotypes to her ".
"To promote female participation in the world of science and technology - underlined the premier - we must intervene throughout education, from school to university", the objective of investments in Stem subjects.
"As foreseen by the National Strategy for Gender Equality, we aim to bring the percentage of female students in Stem disciplines to at least 35% of enrolled students. This issue was discussed last week, on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This debate must lead to concrete results as soon as possible ", the premier's conclusion.
(Unioneonline / vl)