Women have come a long way since the start of the 20th century. From voting rights … The post Alpas Pinas Highlights Filipino Women Leading the Charge in Nuclear Science, Energy Advocacy appeared first on Teal Magazine.
Women have come a long way since the start of the 20th century. From voting rights to leading governments to heading global conglomerates, women are now at the forefront of shaping the destiny of the world.
When it comes to the field of nuclear science, women have also led the charge. Pioneering scientists like Marie Curie, who paved the way for research on radioactivity, and Lise Meitner, who contributed to the discovery of nuclear fission these two have are true trailblazers. But what is not so known is that Filipino women are also at the forefront of nuclear research, policy, and education, proving that gender is no barrier to excellence in the field.
For years, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) has been a strong advocate for gender inclusivity, with women leading research initiatives and holding key leadership roles.
According to PNRI’s 2022 report, women make up 46 percent of the total workforce, with 35 percent in technical positions and nine percent in administrative roles. This significant representation highlights PNRI’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment in nuclear science, where women play a vital role in driving innovation and progress.
Recognizing this growing influence, Alpas Pinas, a non-stock, non-profit organization advocating for clean, cheap, and reliable energy, celebrated Women’s Month by hosting a media briefing to underscore the vital contributions of women in nuclear science and technology. This initiative aligns with the organization’s broader mission to promote gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while accelerating discussions on nuclear energy as a key component of the Philippines’ energy mix.
Led by Alpas Pinas Convenor Gayle Certeza and attended by Deputy Director of PNRI Vallerie Ann Samson, the media briefing shed light on the extensive research initiatives PNRI has undertaken in nuclear science and how women have been integral to these advancements.
Samson presented PNRI’s ongoing research on nuclear applications in food and agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection, and education. She emphasized the crucial role of women scientists in driving these projects forward.
“At PNRI, we celebrate women and girls in this field who are not only shaping the future of PNRI but also inspiring the next generation of researchers, leaders, and innovators,” Samson stated.
The event was also attended by PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla, who highlighted the institution’s long-standing commitment to gender equality in nuclear science. PNRI actively fosters an inclusive environment through its Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, promoting a gender-fair atmosphere in learning, research, and specialized nuclear services. The institute also advocates for gender-fair language and has established an online GAD Help Desk to further these efforts.
Arcilla has also been a strong advocate for gender representation at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). During the 61st Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, he emphasized the need for balanced representation within the agency to track progress in closing gender gaps.
“We acknowledge the progress made, but there is still work to be done. It is crucial to ensure more balanced representation, especially at senior and policy-making levels, and I am glad we get to practice this at PNRI,” Arcilla stated.
Among the attendees was Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Cong. Mark Cojuangco. In a recent forum in the UP School of Economics Alumni Association (UPSEAA) alongside esteemed economist Prof. Winnie Monsod, Cojuangco highlighted how woman experts like Monsod, have been championing its potential for the country’s energy security for years. Her insights, along with those of other women thought leaders, underscore the importance of continuing the conversation and building on past efforts to integrate nuclear power into the Philippines’ energy mix.
“Women are championing nuclear science in the Philippines, and we are here to ensure that their work is backed by policies that will drive the country forward,” Cojuangco affirmed.
Certeza echoed this sentiment by delivering a powerful message to cap off the media briefing, resonating with all the attendees.
“Nuclear science is about breaking barriers in representation. The Philippines has proven that women can lead in this field, and it is our responsibility to continue supporting their journey toward a future powered by clean, cheap, and reliable energy that will mean cheaper electric rates for all Filipinos,” said Certeza.
The post Alpas Pinas Highlights Filipino Women Leading the Charge in Nuclear Science, Energy Advocacy appeared first on Teal Magazine.
