In Spain, only 27.7% of women choose STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), a figure below the European average. Moreover, only 20% of university professorships are held by women. To change this reality and promote female leadership in research, the ‘Women Can’ program has been launched, driven by the Murcian Institute for Biosanitary Research Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-PP).

A Program to Guide and Inspire Future Researchers

‘Women Can’ aims to connect young female scientists with established researchers, offering them a year of mentorship and support. Through this initiative, participants receive both professional and personal guidance, helping them grow in the field of biosanitary research.

How Does ‘Women Can’ Work?

The program is structured into three levels of support:

✅ Mentors: Experienced researchers who guide and support young scientists.
✅ Mentees: Early-career female researchers seeking direction for their future.
✅ Patrons: Pioneering female scientists who paved the way and now serve as role models.

Among them are distinguished figures such as Dr. Rocío Álvarez López (former Head of the Immunology Service at Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital) and Dr. Carmen Sánchez Álvarez (founder of the Nutrition Unit at Reina Sofía Hospital), who play key roles in the program.

A Step Toward Gender Equality in Science

Dr. Ana Belén Pérez Oliva, a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and one of the mentors in ‘Women Can,’ highlights that although there have been advancements in female representation in science, significant barriers still exist, such as work-life balance and limited access to leadership roles.

"Motherhood remains a challenge in scientific careers. Some countries recognize the time dedicated to family within research curricula. It’s something we could implement here," says Dr. Pérez Oliva.

Another challenge is reaching high-ranking positions in research. While female representation in science has increased, women are still the majority in lower-responsibility roles. "In our institute, 30% of leadership positions are held by women. With the new generations, we hope to reach 50% very soon," she adds.

Expanding the Impact: ‘Women Can’ Reaches Secondary Schools

The program not only supports active female researchers but also seeks to engage high school students to encourage STEM careers from an early age. Many young girls dismiss scientific careers due to a lack of female role models or the belief that opportunities in this field are limited.

"We want to show them that there is a future in science, that they can aspire to lead research teams and projects. We don’t want them to choose careers just because ‘it’s what is expected of them,’" Pérez Oliva affirms.

A Project with a Vision for the Future

Although ‘Women Can’ is currently in a pilot phase in the Region of Murcia, its impact is already attracting interest from other communities. The goal is to expand it and turn it into a national benchmark for gender equality in science.

If you are a female researcher and want to be part of this initiative, or if you simply want to support change, share this project and help us inspire the next generation of female scientists.

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