For ten years, the Emakumeak Zientzian initiative in the Basque Country has been bringing together research centers, universities and technology organizations to highlight the role of women in science and technology.
Launched around the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated every 11 February, the project has grown into a broad, collaborative network that organizes dozens of activities aimed at schools, families and the general public across Euskadi. Its main purpose is to show that science is indeed “a girl’s thing”, challenge traditional gender stereotypes and encourage girls and young women to pursue scientific and technical careers.
Over the last decade, Emakumeak Zientzian has evolved from a small set of events to a large, open initiative that brings together dozens of Basque entities from the scientific and technological fabric, including universities, research centers and technology alliances.
Each year they design a shared program focused on visibility and outreach, with activities such as open days, talks, workshops and school visits, all designed to bring science closer to society and showcase the work of women researchers. This collective effort underlines a clear message: only by pooling resources and commitments can the persistent gender gap in STEM be addressed.
The initiative also stresses that gender equality in science is not only a matter for women, but a responsibility shared by men and women who work and live together in scientific and technological environments.
Recent editions have put particular emphasis on co-responsibility and on making an extra effort to bring all available talent into research and innovation, arguing that diverse teams will find solutions faster to the major challenges facing society. To reinforce this, Emakumeak Zientzian targets a wide range of audiences, from schoolchildren and teenagers to older women, recognizing their role as transmitters of culture and scientific curiosity.
Looking ahead, Emakumeak Zientzian continues to strengthen its network and refine its message, adopting annual themes that underline the power of small, sustained actions—“sowing the seed”—to drive deep, long-term change in science.
The organizers highlight that every contribution matters, from a single researcher’s work to the spark of curiosity in a young girl who attends one of the activities. After a decade of weaving connections between institutions, professionals and citizens, the initiative stands as a living example of how coordinated, local action can help transform the cultural narrative around who does science and for whom it is done.
