Brazilian Projects Advance Gender Diversity and Empowerment in STEM at National and International Levels
Brazil's STEM initiatives at national and international events are empowering women and encouraging youth participation in science and technology.
- • IFRN Natal-Zona Norte Campus projects won 4th place at the 40th Mostratec Liberato event.
- • Project Ada promotes female participation in STEM, countering the 28% female workforce in Brazil's STEM fields.
- • João Pessoa municipal schools dominated competitions at the 22nd National Week of Science and Technology.
- • Events like SNCT foster scientific engagement and highlight local innovation with cultural integration.
Key details
Two significant initiatives in Brazil are promoting female empowerment and increasing gender diversity in STEM fields through educational events and competitions. At the 40th International Science and Technology Show (Mostratec Liberato) held from October 27 to 31 in Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, two projects from the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte's Natal–Zona Norte Campus earned 4th place in the History and Social Sciences category. Among them, Project Ada focuses on enhancing female participation in STEM, led by student Maria Laura Barbosa and coordinated by Professor Alba Sandyra Lopes. The project involves debates, workshops, and conversations designed to challenge the perception that technology is not for girls and to inspire more young women to pursue careers in science and technology. This initiative addresses Brazil's gender gap, where only 28% of the STEM workforce is female (ID 129246).
Meanwhile, in João Pessoa, municipal schools excelled during the 22nd National Week of Science and Technology (SNCT) and the IV Campeonarte, securing the top three spots in robotics, model-making, and painting competitions. The event attracted over 10,000 visitors and fostered local innovation, featuring interactive exhibitions and electronic games tournaments. Secretary of Science and Technology Guido Lemos highlighted SNCT's role in popularizing science and cultivating local talent. The event emphasized an integration of science and culture under the theme "Ocean Culture to Face Climate Change in My Territory", reinforcing the message that science is both accessible and transformative (ID 129244).