Cecilia Montero emphasized the importance of incorporating a gender perspective into scientific and technological research, as well as into the historical narrative and communication of these fields. She spoke during a panel called Communicating Science with Violet Glasses at the Cultural Center of Spain in Mexico. The event was held in celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed on February 11th.
Using ‘violet glasses’ is vital in the scientific process, alluding to the need to recognize and address unfair situations, prejudices, and disparities against women. Montero asserted that this approach must be carried through from the initial stages of knowledge generation and research to the subsequent communication and dissemination of scientific findings to society.
Highlighting the diversity of Mexico, Montero underscored the importance of including various perspectives and contexts when communicating scientific information, especially in a country as diverse as Mexico.
The need to extend opportunities, particularly to young girls interested in science, was mentioned by Montero. Promoting gender diversity within scientific research and the dissemination of scientific knowledge was advocated by the panelists.
Mónica Angulo Miñarro supported this call for fostering gender diversity in scientific research, emphasizing a more inclusive environment for women in scientific careers. Promoting female participation in technology and science was seen as crucial for social justice and workforce diversification.
Liliana Quintanar and Aketzalli González Santiago, from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav) and the La Bombilla outreach collective respectively, highlighted the significance of incorporating gender perspectives into scientific communication and challenged androcentric biases in scientific narratives and language.