Imagine a doctor, an engineer, or a mathematician. Who comes to mind? What do they look like? Chances are they are a “he”. The reality is that we have a larger proportion of women in the health sector, and a much smaller one in industries such as artificial intelligence and engineering. Innovation, and pushing the envelope, require a diverse workforce. Women are continuously breaking gender barriers and creating a more equitable society.
The University of Malta, in close collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, and the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, has brought together 26 women in Malta who have made remarkable contributions to the health and well-being, sustainability, digital technologies, smart solutions, and marine and maritime sectors.
Paving the way for greater representation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), these 26 role models have been touring schools across the island to inspire future generations of STEM trendsetters.
On Thursday 15 February 2024, the She Can Exhibition was also launched at the Parliament House to commemorate Malta as the first World Capital for Women and Girls in Science as designated by the Royal Academy for Science International Trust (RASIT), and to encourage the general public to see the inspiring stories of these women who pursue their dreams and overcome various challenges to excel in their careers.
Ms Danielle Martine Farrugia, Senior Executive of Science Engagement at the Marketing, Communications and Alumni Office at the University of Malta, said this exhibition is “an unmissable opportunity to appreciate the exceptional work of these women who have blazed trails in STEM and who can, through their experience, encourage more individuals to follow in their footsteps.”
Dr Lourdes Farrugia, Head of the UM’s Department of Physics, and who also features in the exhibition, told the audience at the event that she hopes “such success stories can be catalysts for positive change on a national strategic level, making more opportunities available for the generations to come.”
The Exhibition was launched in the presence of a number of local dignitaries, namely Hon. David Agius, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Ms Melanie Casha Sammut, Director of the STEM and VET Programmes within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Alex Borg, Opposition Spokesperson for Gozo, and Hon. Justin Schembri, Opposition Spokesperson for Education and Training.
It is available for viewing between 15 and 29 February, 2024. On weekdays, it is open from 09:00 - 17:00, and on weekends, it is open from 09:00 - 12:00.
More information is available online.
