THEon the road for gender equality in the disciplines Stem It is still uphill. In Italy, according to the‘Latest Investigation Istatof this winter, less than 17 percent of women between 25 and 34 years of age has a degree in science, Technology, engineering or mathematics, against 37 percent of men. However, there is a data in contrast: the scientific disciplines related to the environment. Based on the data of Alma Degree for the two-year period 2021-2023 Graduates in geobiological subjects working in ecology are 61 percent women.
Green activism: from women more empathy for nature
An example is Silvana Galassi, former teaching of ecology atUniversity of Milanthat in the book On the side of Gaia (Ambiente Editions) Installs science, eco -feming and environmental justice, showing how ecological emergency is also political and social question. And proposes to girls who want to undertake this type of studies the knowledge of scientists such as Rachel Carson – who caught the alarm launched by animals threatened by the spread of pesticides – e Lynn Margulis That, observing the microrganisms under a microscope, he discovered that in them it is the key to evolution.
“Since ancient times, women have developed greater empathy towards nature, driven by the ability to generate life and the predisposition to cultivation” Galassi explains, illustrating the ecofemminist thought that recognizes a parallelism between the oppression of women and the exploitation of nature, children of a patriarchal culture difficult to eradicate. And reiterates: “We have to ally to get out of the logic that erodes the resources of the planet and increases gender inequalities. It is enough to observe nature to understand that the most productive ecosystems are those in which biodiversity is guaranteed by cooperation. Without environmental justice we will lose everyone, men and women, leaving our children a planet full of conflicts ».
It is a call to the Green battle that of Silvana Galassi who, in 1968, after the chemical expert diploma, enrolled in biology. The brilliant academic career has seen it among the pioneer of ECotoxicology, and His choice of teaching has never been a fallback, unlike many forced to do it to manage even family loads.
“Compared to my colleagues who worked until the evening I also had to devote myself to my daughter, but it was not a limit,” he specifies. The commitment as an activist, as a volunteer of the Milanese Committee Acquapubblica.
Elisa Palazzi – Credit Federico Barattini
Ecology and feminism
Another teacher by choice is Elisa Palazzi who teaches the physical climate to theUniversity of Turin: «I was passionate about the superiors professor. Now I try to transmit the same passion, providing the tools to know the climate and analyze the data of climate change and with dissemination in schools “.
Climate justice and gender equality distinguish the commitment between activism and the search for buildings, centered on climate change in the mountains. «In the high altitude areas of the South East Asia – example – While men move to the city to work, women must procure water, food and medicinal plants. The distances to be covered increase because climatic changes reduce their availability. Therefore, the younger ones have little time to study ».
That women have to struggle more to get rights and make their skills recognize, however, it is everywhere. Confirms it to us Giulia Calogerograduated in Marine Environmental Sciences who participated in oceanographic campaigns on research ships of the CNR, and from 2018 President of theMenkab Association which deals with safeguarding biodiversity at sea: «In a purely male environment, where the physical strength of men is tangible, my team is quite heterogeneous and the differences never become weaknesses. We alternate in the sighting shifts of the cetaceans or to drop the instrumentation into the sea. We proceed by skills, never by gender ».
Giulia Calogero – Credit Mattia Meirana
Calogero for days stays away from home and therefore at the moment gives up on the family. Concentrate her studies on the sperm whale, the greatest predator of the planet. “When the cetaceans are in depth – he explains – they emit vocalizations, to trace them, we calm down underwater microphones. With the temperature sensors we analyze the impact of climate change on habits. TO Sometimes they are forced to move for the noise pollution produced by boats. Some, by laying plastic, develop infections or suffocate ».
The marine biologist reports how it is still It is difficult for women to cover apical roles in this sector, but is confident in the new generations: “To the meetings in monster schools such as the scientific approach, marked by study and research times, teach respect, patience and listening ability applicable also on a social and cultural level” he says.
Equally passionate is Sonia Calvari, Research manager ofNational Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, In Catania. He has been working in the research applied to volcanoes for over 30 years. The difficulties were not lacking: «Especially at the beginning, in the reliefs at the top of the Etna I happened to drive off -road off -road on ice and collect samples with a 5 kg heavy tool. But there has always been mutual respect with superiors and volcanological guides ».
Several times he risked his life for his work, “Like when the volcano activity changed sharply and we found ourselves in a column of lava, ash and gas,” but the passion has always prevailed. “Today I just hope that any new scientific study can add information to improve the environment, it doesn’t matter if conducted by men or women»He says.
Silvia Abbuato – Credit Elettra Gallone
The gaze of the Expat
Silvia Abbuscato, Graduated in Environmental Sciences in Milan, however, his career has made it from Expat: in Copenhagen for a master’s degree, now It’s in Bonn, Senior Expert atEuropean Forest Institute which gives political support in the forestry, as well as coordinator of the project Forest Risk Facility which analyzes the most urgent risks, with a view to international cooperation.
In the forest sector, in Europe, only 15 percent of those who work are women. “THENianzialy, in high -level political meetings I had difficulty in making my opinion consider, as young and woman. Showing my ability to listen and argument, then, it became natural mutual esteem as well as decision -making power and fair compensation, “he says. “I would like to return to Italy but, in fact, inadequate salaries and limited possibilities of growth they brake me ».
As he makes a career, however, he raises the public with information pills on X. «The gender issue and the climatic crisis are urgent to face to find solutions together, beyond all border and diversity»He concludes.
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