Cybernetics’ documentary inspires debate on women in science

The month of March is marked by International Women’s Day. To broaden the debate on diversity in science, IMPA promoted a screening of the documentary “Cibernéticas”, by director Graziela Mantoanelli, and discussions with female researchers from the institute and special guests. The program included two sessions: the first on Friday (27), at IMPA Tech, and the second on Monday (30), at IMPA’s headquarters.

Produced by Deusdará Filmes, the documentary presents the journeys of girls and women who are transforming the world through technological innovation, strengthening the female presence and directly impacting social, economic and cultural development.

In the IMPA Tech session, the event had the remote participation of director Graziela Mantoanelli at the opening. She talked to the students about the aims and challenges of the production. “We used the film as a trigger for discussions, for us to try to bring about change. We understand that education is the first step towards any kind of change we can make, we have to start from that base,” she said.

After the screening, the audience took part in a round table discussion with IMPA researcher Carolina Araujo, academic manager Nara Bobko and IMPA Tech professor Cilene Rodrigues. The debate covered topics such as representativeness, gender barriers in STEM areas ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)the weight of the demand for excellence and the importance of support networks among women.

“When we started exchanging and sharing experiences, we realized that many things aren’t personal against us, they’re gender issues that are collective, that are social. It’s important to have people you trust, a network to share with when you need to. These are the people who will support you,” said Carolina.

Other points discussed were the role of public policies in increasing diversity in science and the need for spaces for dialog on the subject. “Every time we increase diversity, we promote diversity. We increase the potential for different ideas. Different experiences tell us how science can act in society, as a factor of construction and change. Diversity is important so that we know how to apply it,” said Cilene.

Nara reinforced the idea by highlighting the relationship between diversity and innovation. “I’ll make an analogy with technology, with artificial learning. If we test the same algorithm, the same type of information, we don’t produce innovation, news. We need to work with a different universe in order to have different ideas and that’s what we’re talking about with diversity in science, whether it’s artificial or natural. We need different ideas and points of view.”

This Monday’s session at IMPA followed the same format, with a screening of the documentary and a round table discussion with Asla Sá, a professor at IMPA Tech; Cynthia Bortolotto, a post-doctoral student at IMPA; and Nina da Hora, a computer scientist and science communicator, and director Graziela Mantoanelli via videoconference.

 

“It seems like there’s no point in talking, that things won’t change, but becoming aware of the problem can lead, in an adverse scenario, to strategies that can make us stronger,” commented Asla.

Another focus of the conversation was encouraging women to participate and remain in science. “What we can do is make this environment more and more welcoming, more friendly to women. And, furthermore, to continue on our path with them in mind too, in the future, so that we can be an example and inspire other people,” said Cynthia.

In the same vein, Nina reaffirmed the relevance of partnerships as an important factor in women’s scientific journey. “One thing that is very important throughout life is the partnerships and networks that we can form. We won’t always be in a good environment, but we will have one or two people we can count on. It’s important to have at least one person to be a partner, to exchange with and not be shy about asking questions.”

The initiative is an action by IMPA’s Institutional Communication Coordination in celebration of International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, and reinforces the institute’s commitment to promoting diversity and gender equity in the scientific environment.