International Women in Sciences Day Lecture

The fight for women’s rights and equality has been changing and impacting women all over the world, and as such, it has been an ongoing effort. Women advocating for women is also essential in all disciplines when it comes to workplace equality, but especially in jobs that remain male-dominated, including in sciences.

For this very reason, Edna Porca (YES 2018-2019, Bosnia and Herzegovina, placed with AYA in Unity, OR) organized a project called International Women in Science Day Lecture for 16 young high school students at the “Visoko” Gymnasium. Edna had a guest lecturer, a woman called Azra Uzunovic who has a master’s degree in sciences join the presentation. Edna invited Mrs. Uzunovic to encourage and motivate young girls to consider studying sciences in college. Azra shared her experiences of working in the science field, her path from a young girl interested in sciences to a woman who has a master’s degree in sciences, and as someone who is well recognized for her research work. The young female attendants had an opportunity to ask Azra about decisions she made in her education, and what steps they should take to succeed if they choose to follow suit. The participants also discussed the difficulties and challenges of working in this male-dominated discipline when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The young female attendants left the lecture equipped with tools and motivation needed to learn more. One of the most important lessons they took away was that they are capable to do whatever they set their minds to. It is never too late to start learning, to change one’s path, and to choose what one wishes to do. In the end, the choice is the most important thing a person can have. Women’s rights are human rights and YES Alumni in Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to promote them.