ANNnews – Juana Valer – Head of M&P Aernnova Engineering Division
13 December 2022
At Aernnova, we want that the talent of our professionals, their experience and commitment inspire new generations.
In the last 15 years, the international community has made a great effort to inspire and promote the participation of women in technical professions.
One of the professional sectors with the lowest unemployment rates is science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). However, historically and culturally, social constructs have been created through which these professions have traditionally been masculinized.
Aernnova, in its awareness of this objective, has been present thanks to our colleague Juana Valer, Materials and Processes Engineer and Head of the Materials and Processes Department of Aernnova Engineering Division, in a meeting to promote scientific-technological vocations among students of ESO and Bachillerato. This meeting aims to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education closer to all students, especially girls.
This is a pioneering project based on awareness-raising and guidance activities provided by science and technology professionals. The initiative aims to provide young people with a point of reference, having insipiring references.
ANNnews: Although the situation has evolved slightly in recent years, the reality is that women are still a minority in the field of engineering. How many girls do you remember in class when you studied your degree?
Juana Valer: In the first year we were about 200 students, 6 of them, women. In the second year the total number of students was reduced to approximately 100 students and we were left with 4 women.
ANNnews: Do you think the number of women in technical careers will increase?
Juana Valer: I hope so, although I have my doubts. I was struck by the fact that in the group I interacted with (25 students), most of them were inclined towards biosanitary careers (almost all the girls in the group and several boys) and sports (physiotherapists, mostly boys). Only 3 male students showed interest in engineering.
ANNnews: In your opinion, what are the challenges women face in developing professionally in the field of science and technology?
Juana Valer: Negative stereotypes related to women and scientific-technical careers can be unconsciously transmitted from the family environment. These stereotypes could be corrected or minimized in the field of education, for which teachers should be aware and receive specific training in the promotion of scientific-technical careers. In addition to this, there is undoubtedly the challenge of family reconciliation, which so far affects women much more than men.
ANNnews: What challenges did you face in your early days as Head of M&P Engineering and what message would you like to give to young women interested in developing technical careers?
Juana Valer: Perhaps the biggest challenge was to progressively gain the confidence of the different interlocutors within the Aernnova Group in my ability to lead the department and to be able to solve the different technical problems that arise on a daily basis.
As for the message to young women who are interested in technical careers, the important thing, in my opinion, is to be sure of what you want and to maintain your interest, curiosity and eagerness to learn without being frustrated by the inconveniences that arise throughout the professional life of any person.
It is important to have references that awaken interest in society and Aernnova, in its commitment to this objective, will be present in this type of activities.
