The “Investing for Future” project, supported by MSD Italia, aims to enhance the role of women in steam through training, awareness and powerful symbols such as the sculpture “Urania’s Passion” signed Lorenzo Quinn
Six out of 10 young people do not perceive gender disparities in work opportunities. This is what emerges from an investigation conducted by Ipsos, which analyzed the perception of the new generations with respect to the female presence in the world of Steam (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). An unknown that exposes the risk of not succeeding, in the coming years, to definitively eliminate barriers and bias related to the genre to allow the progress of society. They spoke about it today, at the “Ilaria Sula” study spaces, Nadio Pagnocelli, Ipsos president, Senator Beatrice Lorenzin, Nicoletta Luppi, CEO of MSD Italia, Antonella Polimeni, magnificent rector of the University of Rome La Sapienza and Senator Elena Murelli.
Act to reduce the gap between men and women
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The female employment rate (53.5%) is, still today, clearly lower than the male one (72%). Only 3% of CEO’s positions are covered with women. In this context, the new generations tend to confirm some stereotypes: The girls are associated in search of a balance between private life and work (28%) and a fair and inclusive working environment (27%), while the boys are perceived as more oriented to the remuneration (19%) and career (18%). Compared to the interviewees, belonging to an age group between 18 and 34 years, confidence in women is so reflected: 57% on scientists; 55% on healthcare professionals; 41% on engineers; 46% on IT; and 33% on the artists. These are the percentages of the investigation conducted within the project “Investing for Future. Women and Steam: from Gap to Plus”, promoted by MSD Italia and sponsored by Sapienza University of Rome. According to Italians, a joint action is needed between institutions, universities and companies to help fill the existing gaps today. They say it with these numbers: universities are asked to create initiatives in schools to promote the Steam approach (32%); institutions to collaborate with universities and companies (27%) offering financial support to students (26%); Finally, to companies, the request is to support paid internships and internships (31%), scholarships (30%) and to organize workshops and workshops in schools (28%). “In a global context characterized by uncertainties and unpredictable challenges – comments Nicoletta Luppi, president and CEO of MSD Italia – Science represents a lighthouse that illuminates our future and has no boundaries between nations. Scientific research cannot ignore the ability to welcome and enhance the wider spectrum of voices, experiences and talents. Starting with those of women “. The message of the parliamentarians was univocal: science is meritocracy and requires to defuse the prejudice starting from the nursery schools. Black on white, the government’s commitment with 4 million euros allocated to encourage the stem skills of teachers engaged in first and second grade secondary schools.
Urania’s Passion: a work that inspires young women
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A new work at the Sapienza University of Rome: a sculpture, “Urania’s Passion”, by the internationally renowned artist Lorenzo Quinn. It is the symbol of the “Investing for Future. Women and Steam project: from Gap to Plus”. The work, four meters high, leverages the universal language of art to encourage young people to pursue their passions, exceeding cultural barriers and prejudices, thus promoting the change towards a fairer and more inclusive future. “I was inspired by Urania, a Greek muse of astronomy and mathematics, to create a sculpture that could be a symbol of knowledge and discovery. Thus, I wanted to represent two great female hands that support an atom precisely to celebrate the passion of Urania, that is, the power of science and with it the fundamental role of women. I believe that art and science, together, can be an engine of change and inclusion “. The work tells the strength and determination of women who, with their hands, support scientific progress:” The atom – explains Lorenzo Quinn – represents the science itself, held high by the talent and passion of those who believe in knowing. My wish is that this sculpture invites everyone to overcome prejudices and gender barriers. Art is a universal language, capable of exciting and inspiring without age boundaries. Through strong images and positive symbols, we can turn on curiosity and self -confidence even in the smallest. I would like – concludes the artist – that “Urania’s Passion” was a stimulus to believe in one’s skills and not placed limits, since childhood “.
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