In the framework of the GESTEMI project, GenTIC researchers gave a workshop on gender stereotypes in STEM studies and professions (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) at the Mobile Festival, Science + Technology for young people (YoMo), on March 1 in La Farga de L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona).

With the title “Everybody can be a Scientist: How to Break Stereotypes”, researchers María del Carmen Gallego and Efrem Melián gave a workshop for young students in which they showed a group of relevant women in the world of science and technology.

These presentations gave rise to a joint reflection on how stereotypes –as socially shared ideas that attribute certain characteristics to a particular group– often (re)transmitted through agents such as family, school or the media, contribute to guiding our choices on both studies and professions, and how these dynamics can be counteracted through the freer expression of preferences not based on gender stereotypes and prejudices.

Yomo is a festival framed within the context of the Mobile World Congress, which seeks to inspire young people and raise awareness about professional careers in the scientific and technological sectors, through interactive workshops and practical activities. The event was held between February 26 and March 2 and was attended by more than 22,000 people, including students aged 8 to 16 and their teachers.