The initiative concludes a week of activities across the Basque Country with intergenerational workshops and actions highlighting women’s leadership in marine research (Author: Mireia Ochoa)
A COLLECTIVE MANIFESTO FOR A FAIRER SCIENCE
Coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, ‘Emakumeak Zientzian’ brought its tenth edition to a close with a festive event held at the San Sebastián Aquarium. The gathering focused on presenting a manifesto born from a collective reflection process, marking both the culmination of an extensive program of activities and the beginning of a new phase for the initiative.
The manifesto and action plan, conceived as a strategic roadmap for the future, reaffirms Emakumeak Zientzian’s commitment to addressing structural inequalities through an intersectional lens. The document outlines nine lines of action aimed at strengthening the visibility of women scientists, democratizing access to knowledge, and fostering fairer and more inclusive workplaces. Together, these actions seek to advance toward a more just and sustainable scientific and technological ecosystem.
Under the slogan “Marea bizia gara” / “We Are a Living Tide”, thirty-four Basque entities emphasized the power of collective action during this milestone edition. The organization expressed a highly positive assessment, highlighting the large number of activities, strong participation, and significant media impact. The manifesto invites other institutions and organizations to join this alliance in building the science of the future.
SCIENCE, GENERATIONS, AND THE SEA TO CLOSE THE WEEK.
On February 11, the Emakumeak Zientzian 2026 program concluded with an intergenerational day filled with science-based activities across the Basque Country.
In Bilbao, the workshop “Have You Ever Dreamed of Being an Engineering Student?” brought together 30 women over 55 at the University of Deusto, giving them the chance to experience university life while exploring Artificial Intelligence and the Fablab. The inspiring event proved that it is never too late to awaken scientific curiosity and vocation.
Later in Donostia, a scientific laboratory activity—originally planned aboard a sailboat—took place at the city’s port as part of the #WomenForTheSea campaign. Young participants aged 12 to 14 carried out sampling and analysis tasks and visited the Aquarium’s laboratories, reflecting on women’s leadership in marine research and the protection of oceans against plastic and microplastic pollution.
Thus ended a week devoted to bringing science closer to people, connecting generations, and planting seeds for the future—a reminder that February 11 is not just a date, but a shared commitment…
