NAP Connection: Math Is a Place for Women, Too
An IMPA Tech roundtable discussion addressed the presence of women in the exact sciences
Last Friday (the 11th), the “NAP Connection: Beyond the Formula” event brought together female undergraduate students and provided a space to discuss women’s experiences in mathematics. Organized by IMPA Tech’s Psychopedagogical Support Center (NAP), the initiative aims to strengthen bonds among female students and create an environment for sharing experiences and challenges faced throughout their academic careers and in other settings.
The students shared their experiences and discussed the challenges of being a woman in different settings. For Maria Letícia Lins, the exchange was important for learning about other perspectives and realizing that her individual experiences are also shared by her classmates.
“This space was very important in helping us realize that we’re not going through all of this alone. We were able to hear advice, learn about different experiences, and see how each of us deals with our problems,” she said.
Undergraduate student Flávia Jakeline also highlighted the importance of creating welcoming spaces for women in the sciences.
“We talked about our journeys as young women and female mathematicians, about the challenges of being in the minority in some places, and we shared personal experiences. This welcoming environment for discussion is very important for showing that we have a place here and that we are not alone,” she said.
At the end of the meeting, the participants created a word cloud featuring the names of women who inspire them through their discoveries, works, or life stories. Among those mentioned were mathematician Dusa McDuff, known for her contributions to symplectic geometry; philosopher Edith Stein; and singer Marisa Monte.
One name, however, came up particularly often: that of Nara Bobko, academic manager at IMPA Tech, whom the students described as an inspiration and a female role model within the institution itself.
“It was a very special moment. I really enjoyed taking part, and I hope there will be more discussion sessions in the future!” said Flávia.
