Looking at STEM with a Women´s Perspective – Network for Women in STEM International network that fosters the incorporation and retention of women in STEM programs at Jesuit Higher Education institutions around the world.

Under the framework of the I Meeting of AUSJAL Jesuit Engineering Schools, held at ITESO University in 2023, representatives from 17 universities in ten Latin American countries approved the creation of the AUSJAL – IAJES Network for Women in STEM (AUSJAL – IAJES WOMEN). One year later, in 2024, AUSJAL – IAJES WOMEN is presented and approved as one of IAJES Task Force in the 4th IAJES Summit in Bhubaneshwar, India.

The objectives and actions of IAJES Women in STEM network will be framed under six dimensions: Formation, Mentoring, Mobility, Best Practices, Strategic Alliances and Communications.

Team Members

Constanza Bauer

Chair, Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Chile

cbauer@uahurtado.cl

We envision: Open spaces for women within Jesuit Universities to foster their incorporation and retention in STEM programs. Our challenge for the the near future is to work closely with Jesuit Universities in 5 continents.

General Objective: To establish an international network that fosters the incorporation and retention of women in STEM programs at Jesuit Higher Education institutions around the world.

Strategic Objectives: To present the current offer of STEM programs at Jesuit institutions highlighting the differentiating attribute of Ignatian formation with two goals: a) To introduce STEM programs to women at different stages of their formation (high schools, technical institutions and universities) through programs with a relevant focus in women inclusion. b) To strength admission process in higher education institutions to foster women participation. To establish a Mentoring Program for Women in STEM available in schools at Jesuit Institutions that promotes safer spaces for personal and academic development. To encourage multilateral spaces for reflection and dialogue between women faculty in STEM programs at Jesuit Institutions that promote mobility, research and collaboration networks fostering application to national and international funds. To create an observatory of Best Practices that addresses gender gap, women inclusion, gender policies, among other issues. To generate strategic alliances with international institutions and organizations for women empowerment in STEM programs. To raise awareness of IAJES Women in STEM Network and its initiatives to strengthen projects and broaden the participation of Jesuit institutions worldwide.