Cairo Seminar Celebrates Women in Science
In a vibrant celebration of female empowerment and scientific advancement, a seminar titled “Science, She Says!” was held in Cairo, organized by the Italian Embassy to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS). This event also highlighted two significant milestones: the 10th anniversary of IDWGS and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was adopted during the 4th World Conference on Women in 1995.
The year 2025 holds special significance for both Italy and Egypt, marking the 50th anniversary of a cooperation agreement that focuses on science and technology. This partnership aims to fund research projects in shared priority areas. From 2024 to 2026, four collaborative initiatives totaling €1.2 million will be funded, covering vital sectors such as water management, agriculture and food technology, materials science, renewable energy, and cultural heritage.
Empowering Women Through Science
The third edition of the “Science, She Says!” workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority of Egypt (STDF). The title of the event is inspired by an award established in 2022 by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognizing a young female scientist for her exceptional contributions to the fields of science and technology.
The seminar took place at the Italian Cultural Institute, with opening remarks from the Italian Ambassador to Egypt, Michele Quaroni. He emphasized the dynamic collaboration between Italy and Egypt, supported not only by their bilateral cooperation agreement but also through over 40 active partnerships between research institutions and universities of both countries. Ambassador Quaroni highlighted the crucial role women scientists play in groundbreaking research and discoveries but acknowledged their underrepresentation in academic and professional fields. “Education is the key to enhancing job opportunities and fostering greater inclusion of women in STEM disciplines. This approach benefits not only gender equality but also civil society and the workforce,” Quaroni stated.
A Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
Domenico De Martinis, the Scientific Attaché of the Italian Embassy, remarked, “This initiative underscores the Italian Embassy’s dedication to empowering women and encouraging their participation in science and STEM fields. The event brought together a diverse group from the diplomatic, scientific, and institutional communities, providing an essential platform for discussing future actions aimed at promoting women in science.”
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