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February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, proclaimed by the UN in 2015 to recognize women's key role in the scientific community and technological development. This day also highlights the challenges girls and young women face in accessing these disciplines and promotes greater gender equity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
The importance of scientific development and inclusion in STEM
Scientific progress is fundamental to any country's development because it drives innovation, improves quality of life, and contributes to economic growth. However, access to education and opportunities in science and technology has not always been equitable.
Throughout history, many women have faced barriers to developing in these fields, but their talent and perseverance have shown that science has no gender. Encouraging girls and young women to participate in STEM is not only a matter of justice but also a key strategy for global progress. Diversity in science enables a wider variety of perspectives and problem-solving approaches, leading to more significant discoveries and advances.
Inspiring Guatemalan women scientists
Guatemala has outstanding female role models in science who have excelled in various fields. Today, we highlight three Guatemalan scientists whose work has left a significant mark:
Susana Arrechea: Innovation in energy and digital equity
A chemical engineer with a doctorate in Nanotechnology, Susana Arrechea has focused her research on sustainability and the environment. As cofounder of New Sun Road Guatemala, she has worked to establish digital community centers in rural communities without electricity, providing solar energy, connectivity, and training in Mayan languages. Her work has benefited over 4,000 people and promoted gender equity in technology.
Marie André Destarac: Advances in robotics and health
An electronics engineer with a doctorate in Robotics, Marie André Destarac has developed medical innovations such as robotic exoskeletons for rehabilitation, an eye scanner for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases, and computational models for studying vocal cords. Recognized by MIT Technology Review, her work has helped improve medical treatments in different parts of the world.
Camila Novales: Exploring space and sharing science
At 17, Camila Novales has been recognized as a Heroine of Science for her work communicating astronomy and aerospace engineering. Founder of the blog BeyondSight (https://beyondsight.blog/), she has brought space science to Latin America and worked on developing autonomous vehicles for space research. Her passion and dedication have made her a role model for new generations.
Inspiring future women scientists
On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate all Guatemalan women scientists whose work transforms the country and the world.
We encourage all girls and young women who dream of a scientific career to keep going and not be afraid to explore, learn, and push boundaries.
We also call on educational institutions, teachers, and families to continue supporting students' dreams, providing learning spaces and removing barriers so more girls and young women can develop their STEM potential. Science has neither borders nor gender, and Guatemalan talent has much to contribute to the world.
Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!