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»  For Women in Science Commitment Charter
»  How Women Contribute to Changing the Face of Science
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»  Why Does Gender Matter to Reach the Top?
»  Increasing the Impact of Science on Public Policy
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UNDERSTANDING AGORA

10 MOST READ NOTES

»  Beyond Science Education: Preparing Women for Careers in Science
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»  The Importance of Role Models to Girls' Educational Choices
by Joan Steitz

»  The Qualities Women Bring to Research
by Pierre-Gilles de Gennes

»  What Good is Education For Girls?
by Habiba Bouhamed Chaabouni

»  Women Scientists: Winning Freedom
by Christian de Duve

»  For Women In Science Fellows: Please Tell Us What We Need to Know
by Renée Clair

»  Science Education for Girls and Women: The Situation in Nigeria
by Adeyinka G. Falusi

»  It's Still a Man's World
by Michelle Lucinda de Oliveira

»  Courage and Determination: The Story of Lusia Freitas
by Rehana Jauhangeer

»  Agora Means Now!
by Mayana Zatz


L'OREAL-UNESCO FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE COMMITMENT CHARTER

Welcome to Agora! In this issue community members share their thoughts and ideas on the first three points of the For Women in Science Commitment Charter:

1. Act as a role model to inspire future generations
2. Transmit passion for scientific research
3. Encourage women scientists to act as agents of change

The 10-point Commitment Charter was signed by the L'OREAL Foundation, UNESCO and the Awards Laureates to mark the 10th anniversary of the program and reaffirm their dedication to its goals. Upcoming issues of Agora will focus on the Charter's subsequent seven points:

4. Strengthen and support scientific research on all continents
5. Foster creativity and innovation
6. Advocate for diversity and gender equity
7. Build sustainable networks for women scientists
8. Participate as women scientists in public policy decision making
9. Shape attitudes to change the face of science
10. Promote science as a source of progress



  
 
  Mizrahi.jpg Role Models Show the Way

''I have attempted to create an environment where young people can aspire to be the best that they can be.'' Professor and researcher Dr. Valerie Mizrahi believes setting an example is one of the most important aspects of mentoring young scientists. At the signing ceremony in Paris, Dr. Mizrahi spoke on the first point of the For Women in Science Commitment Charter, ''Act as a role model to inspire future generations.''

by Valerie Mizrahi, L'OREAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate 2000 Africa


 
 
  Levelt Sengers.jpg Passion Starts Young

For Professor Johanna Levelt Sengers, the second point of the For Women in Science Commitment Charter, ''Transmit passion for scientific research,'' is actually fairly easy to do...as long as you get to the next generation while they're still very young. Dr. Levelt Sengers spoke on this point at the signing ceremony in Paris.

by Johanna Levelt Sengers, L'OREAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate 2003 North America


 
 
  Grace Taylor.jpg Real Change

In her speech on the third point of the For Women in Science Commitment Charter, ''Encourage women scientists to act as agents of change,'' Dr. Grace Olandunni Taylor told of her efforts to make a real difference in the lives of women science students in her native Nigeria.

by Grace Oladunni Taylor, L'OREAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate 1998 Africa


 
 
  Federica.jpg Science Needs a Makeover

For Italian biophysicist Federica Migliardo, acting as a role model means doing outreach work to help change the image of scientists. The profession needs a makeover to let girls and young women know that ''a life in science is always different and intriguing--and a new challenge every day.''

by Federica Migliardo, UNESCO-L’OREAL For Women in Science International Fellow 2008


 
 
  falusi.jpg Eureka!

One of Africa's most accomplished woman scientists, Nigerian researcher Dr. Adeyinka Falusi, tells the exciting story of the discovery that launched her exemplary career. Her passion for scientific research comes shining through.

by Adeyinka Falusi, L'OREAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate 2001 Africa


 
 
  Negwa.bmp What Science Can Do for Women, What Women Can Do for Science

When acting as a role model for future generations, nothing inspires like inspiration. Dr. Nagwa Meguid, a professor of human genetics, uses her field as an example of what women can accomplish for science, for society and themselves. Genetics also happens to be the science that proved women are just as capable as men.

by Nagwa A. Meguid, L'OREAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate 2002 Africa


 
 
  Anita.jpg Rotifer Role Models

Role models don't necessarily have to be human. A structural biologist from Croatia, Anita Krisko takes a very funny look into the world of bdelloid rotifers and comes up with some serious food for thought.

by Anita Krisko, UNESCO-L’OREAL For Women in Science International Fellow 2006


 
 
  Andrea.jpg Better in Brazil

There is still much to be done, but recently enacted laws indicate that Brazilian attitudes toward women in the workplace--ncluding women scientists--are changing for the better. Researcher Andrea Mantesso talks about the new directions her country is taking.

by Andrea Mantesso, UNESCO-L’OREAL For Women in Science International Fellow 2006


 
 
  khady_nani_drame.jpg Small Steps Can Lead to Change

We all want to bring more girls and women into science, but demanding schedules mean the bulk of our time and energy is focused on jobs and families. There are, however, small things we can do to implement change. Senegalese scientist Khady Nani Drame writes about one that's as fast and easy as hitting the forward button.

Khady Nani Drame, UNESCO-L'OREAL For Women in Science International Fellow 2007


 
 
  Eugenia_Pino_Veintimilla.jpg Notes on an Inspiring Role Model

Good role models teach their students to take responsibility and confront difficulties head on. Dr. Eugenia del Pino Veintimilla writes about one of her professors, a woman scientist who ''inspired us to achieve our potential at the highest level.''

by Eugenia del Pino Veintimilla, L'OREAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate 2000 Latin America


 
 
  Hasina picture.jpg More Women Scientists in Bangladesh

In developing countries like Bangladesh, providing quality primary and secondary education for girls is essential to bringing more women into science. Hasina Akhter suggests ways that teachers, parents and governments can help correct the gender gap.

by Hasina Akhter, UNESCO-L'OREAL For Women in Science International Fellow 2002


 
 
  rehana_jauhangeer.jpg Science Warriors

Mauritian scientist Rehana Jauhangeer suggests that more women in the profession must become ''science warriors'' who, like the environmentalist movement's eco-warriors, fight just as hard for future generations as they do for their own.

by Rehana Jauhangeer, UNESCO-L'OREAL For Women in Science International Fellow 2004


 
 
  Prudence.jpg Public Passions

Public presentations by distinguished women researchers are all too rare, yet they are key to bringing young people into the field and helping their fellow scientists recharge their batteries. Their passion can't help but shine through and, according to UK-based Zimbabwean researcher Prudence Mutowo, it's wonderfully contagious.

by Prudence Mutowo, UNESCO-L'OREAL For Women in Science International Fellow 2006


 
 
  Hanneline.jpg Educate and Communicate

''...it remains our responsibility as women scientists to educate and communicate the possible outcomes of a scientific career,'' writes South African zoologist Hanneline Smit. Making young women aware of the educational choices available and the positive contribution scientists can make to the world will bring more of them into the profession.

by Hanneline Smit, UNESCO-L'OREAL For Women in Science International Fellow 2008


 
 
  Restoring Confidence

Does the time a woman must spend away from research to care for her children undermine her confidence in her scientific abilities? For a number of reasons, Dr. Nesrin Hasirci, a professor of science and mother of two children, believes it might. She advises mentors to step in and encourage these women to stay in the profession.

by Nesrin Hasirci, Chairperson of the Graduate Department of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey