“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.” ~Vallerie Ann Samson, Deputy Director of PNRI
Since the beginning of the twentieth century, women have made significant progress. Women are now at the forefront of determining the future of the world, from voting rights to running governments and multinational corporations.
Women have also taken the lead in the field of nuclear science. True trailblazers include pioneering scientists like Lise Meitner, who helped discover nuclear fission, and Marie Curie, who cleared the path for studies on radioactivity. The fact that Filipino women are leading the way in nuclear research, policy, and education, however, is less well known, demonstrating that gender is not a barrier to excellence in the field.
For years, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) has been a strong supporter of gender inclusivity, with women leading research initiatives and holding key leadership positions. According to the PNRI 2022 report, women account for 46% of the total workforce, with 35% in technical positions and 9% in administrative roles. This significant representation demonstrates PNRI's commitment to creating a more inclusive environment in nuclear science, one in which women play an important role in driving innovation and progress.
Recognizing this growing influence, Alpas Pinas, a non-profit organization that advocates for clean, affordable, and dependable energy, commemorated Women's Month by hosting a media briefing to highlight the critical contributions of women in nuclear science and technology. This initiative is consistent with the organization's larger mission of promoting gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while accelerating discussions about nuclear energy as a key component of the Philippines' energy mix.
The media briefing, led by Alpas Pinas Convenor Gayle Certeza and attended by PNRI Deputy Director Vallerie Ann Samson, shed light on PNRI's extensive nuclear science research initiatives and how women have played an important role in these advancements.
Samson discussed the PNRI's ongoing research into nuclear applications in food and agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection, and education. She emphasized the critical role of female scientists in moving these projects forward.
Dr. Carlo Arcilla, PNRI Director, also attended the event and emphasized the institution's long-standing commitment to gender equality in nuclear science. PNRI actively promotes an inclusive environment through its Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, which promote gender equity in learning, research, and specialized nuclear services. The institute also advocates for gender-neutral language and has set up an online GAD Help Desk to support these efforts.
"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." ~Dr. Carlo Arcilla, PNRI Director
Arcilla has also been an outspoken advocate for gender equality at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). During the 61st Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, he emphasized the importance of balanced representation within the agency in order to track progress toward closing gender gaps.
“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.” ~Cong. Mark Cojuangco, Pangasinan 2nd District Representative
Representative Cong of the Pangasinan 2nd District was among those present. Cojuangco Mark. Together with renowned economist Prof. Winnie Monsod, Cojuangco recently spoke at a forum held by the UP School of Economics Alumni Association (UPSEAA) about how female experts like Monsod have long argued for its potential to improve the nation's energy security. Her and other female thought leaders' perspectives highlight the significance of carrying on the discussion and expanding on earlier attempts to include nuclear power in the Philippines' energy mix.
“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.” ~Gayle Certeza, Alpas Pinas Convenor
Certeza echoed this sentiment by delivering a powerful message to cap off the media briefing, resonating with all the attendees.
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