Meet the young women dreaming high in a new UN Women-backed STEM scholarship
MANILA, Philippines – All over the world, women and girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields are an uncommon sight.
The Philippines is no different, and even has the widest STEM gender gap in the Asia Pacific region. 2023 data from LinkedIn found that just a little over 3 in 10 of the Philippine STEM workforce are women, comparable to the 29.2% worldwide figure.
But little by little, young Filipinas are looking to change that. The Her Legacy Project in support of United Nations (UN) Women Philippines has launched a new initiative called the SHESTEMS Scholarship Awards, which supports young women in STEM education and provides a leadership training program.
The Her Legacy Project, in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) has chosen its first batch of 10 “bright eyed, smart, and ambitious” SHESTEMS scholars looking to break the glass ceiling and eventually become role models in STEM.
The scholars will be receiving P120,000 in financial support a year until graduation, along with mentorship and networking opportunities.
Here are the 10 new scholars, what they dream for themselves, and their advice for other young women who may be hesitant to pursue STEM.
Joeimarie Bueno, BS Biology
STEM was never a strange concept to 21-year-old Joeimarie Bueno growing up. Her father, aunt, and uncle were all in the engineering and technology field, and together with her mother, all of them supported her when she wanted to attend the Philippine Science High School (Pisay).
At age 14, she began working with Women in Technology (WiTech), a non-profit organization aiming to educate and empower the youth to break gender stereotypes in making a difference using technology. This added to her support system in pursuing biology in UP Los Baños.
Now a college junior, Joeimarie dreams of taking up a masters or PhD in planetary health, and to become a community researcher. In the meantime, she’s excited about having a mentor in the SHESTEMS program, since she doesn’t have a woman mentor in her field.
“Being a community researcher will enable me to bridge science and technology innovations to address the needs of the people especially in far flung or dense areas that may be at high risk for diseases from water supplies, soil conditions and air contamination,” said Joeimarie.
Joeimarie’s advice: “First, STEM is a vast field, explore what interests you and enjoy the process. Second, take up your space in the field and don’t be afraid to speak up because STEM is not just for men. Finally, find a support group of women with similar interests or a group of women in STEM, this support group is a big thing since we have a shared experience of being in a men-dominated field thus we can relate, support and empower each other.”
Gwyneth Precious Kiunisala, BS Food Technology
Do you know what food technology is? The stereotype is “luto-luto lang (just cooking),” according to Gwyneth Precious Kiunisala, but she wants people to know it’s much more than that.
The pursuit of food technology was a culmination of interests growing up for Precious. Amid growing up with a knack for cooking, she also became fascinated with her organic chemistry lectures in high school, particularly in the way different compounds influence the taste and aroma of food.
Now in her third year taking up food technology in UP Mindanao, Precious sees it as a culmination of chemistry, biology, and engineering in working to understand and improve the science behind production, safety, and innovation. In other words, food technologists make sure that everyone has sustainable access to safe and nutritious food.
Throughout her degree program, she has always heard the quote, “As long as food is a necessity, there will always be food technology.” This has inspired her to stay on track towards her dream to be a licensed food technologist and a chemical technician.
“Holding these licenses will position me to tackle current and future challenges, ensuring safe and nutritious food for all while allowing me to collaborate with other professionals, expand my career prospects, and ultimately make a significant impact on both the local and global food landscapes,” she said.
Precious’ advice: “In short and sweet terms, just go for it! If your heart’s in STEM, don’t hesitate — take the leap and pursue your passion. We need more bright young women to step up, follow their dreams, and excel in their fields. Remember, this journey isn’t just about learning; it’s about making a real difference in the world. Keep pushing forward, because the impact you can make can shape the future and inspire others to do the same.”
Kate Macabalos, BS Statistics
Kate Macabalos initially wanted to be a civil engineer, but life led her to statistics when her high school teacher, a statistics graduate, inspired her to pursue the field. Her passion was deepened when she learned about astrostatistics.
“As someone who has always been fascinated by space and the universe, I was captivated by the idea. Since then, becoming an AstroStatistician has been my dream. I’ve told myself that I want to be successful in this field, and hopefully, in the future, I will become a successful astrostatistician and a woman in STEM,” said Kate, who is on her second year in UP Cebu’s new BS Statistics program.
Kate was thrilled to learn that SHESTEMS would offer an opportunity to learn from a mentor, excited to navigate insights that go beyond her textbooks.
Kate’s advice: “Seek out mentors, join communities of like-minded women, and surround yourselves with supportive people who encourage their ambitions. STEM fields are full of opportunities to make a difference in the world, and you have just as much right to be there as anyone else. Take the leap, and don’t be afraid to forge your own path.”
Krystel Joy Swin, BS Geodetic Engineering
Krystel Joy Swin, 21, never saw her gender as a hindrance or limitation in choosing her course, BS Geodetic Engineering in UP Diliman. But as she went through the program, she became more aware that women can face discrimination and career hurdles in her field.
“Rather than discouraging me, this has only strengthened my resolve to prove myself and to claim a space in a field where women have been unfairly excluded from,” said Krystel.
Krystel, now a junior, dreams of pursuing further studies in geomatics with a specialization in remote sensing or geoinformatics. She hopes to work in Philippine government agencies involved in the sciences, such as the Philippine Space Agency or the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.
Krystel’s advice: “I hope the challenges women face in STEM don’t discourage you from pursuing your passion. We, as women, have the strength to excel and thrive in any goal we set our hearts on. Although the path may be difficult, I believe that by empowering and supporting one another, we can claim our space in this male-dominated field.”
Sophia Rhys Bañados, BS Biology
Sophia Rhys Bañados has had science as her favorite subject since elementary school. And while having a lack of women role models in STEM may discourage some, this was precisely what pushed her to pursue it.
In her third year pursing BS Biology in UP Baguio, Sophia is excited to have a mentor who will help her carry on in her career path, and become a female role model herself.
Sophia dreams of becoming a neuroscientist whose discoveries will help people. “I also want to inspire and support other women in the field, or women in general.”
Sophia’s advice: “‘Wag kayong matakot (Don’t be afraid)! We need more women in STEM. Kaya kong naisipan mag STEM dahil patunayan na kayang kaya rin ng mga babae (The reason I wanted to go into STEM is because I wanted to prove that women can do it too). Representation matters; in a predominantly male dominated field, it is important to show that it is possible to breakthrough in an industry where expertise of men are often leveraged. Let’s rewrite the script so the future generations will not live in this kind of world where women are not in the spotlight.”
Elaiza de Luna, BS Agriculture
Elaiza de Luna, 22, hails from a science high school that allowed her to gravitate towards STEM. Agriculture was not her first choice, but she was sure that she wanted to work in something environment-related.
But it was agriculture that eventually called her attention, since she heard from the news that the field was no longer popular among young people as a career choice.
“So that thought was stuck to me, and eventually, I decided to shift to agriculture because I figured I was hitting two birds with one stone. I get to work closely with the environment while also contributing to the agricultural sector. This course also aligns with my life mission, which is to help build a sustainable future while making a positive impact on the lives of our farmers,” she said.
Elaiza dreams of helping to build a nation that is “thriving, resilient, and sustainable.” She isn’t quite sure about the specific area in agriculture that she wants to pursue just yet, but she is open to pursuing graduate studies in agriculture or environmental science, while also volunteering.
Elaiza’s advice: “Every step you take is also a step for countless others who will follow us toward bridging the gap between women and men in STEM….You are capable. You are powerful. You are deserving of every opportunity that comes your way — dahil babae ka, hindi babae lang (you are a woman, not just a woman).”
Claire Jaradal, BS Statistics
Claire Jaradal, 21, was inspired to pursue STEM by fellow passionate and talented students who surround her.
The third year statistics student from UP Diliman dreams of becoming a data analyst, helping in decision-making, improving efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, and managing risks by interpreting complex data sets.
Although men outnumber their women colleagues in data science by four to one, according to UN Women, Claire strives to change this narrative, and find success for women in the data industry.
Claire’s advice: “Know that there is a community awaiting you that is supportive and inclusive and that learning STEM is challenging yet rewarding.”
Raiza Junio, BS Biology
Raiza Junio’s childhood dream was to become a medical doctor, and in pursuing biology, she is on her way to meet that aspiration.
“It is not clear what made me decide to push through, all I know is just that I want it for myself, I want to make a positive impact, and I see myself leading it. I dream big, and I struggle everyday to make it. The only thing clear to me is that I have to make it,” she said.
Apart from becoming a doctor, the UP Diliman junior wants to pursue a research career in medical biology. “I want to practice medicine and pursue cardiology as it holds a special place in my heart (pun intended).”
Raiza’s current research project at school involves children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which is a post-COVID-19 infection. Children with this condition may exhibit myocardial effusion and other cardiovascular disorders, which Raiza wants to have a deeper understanding of.
Raiza’s advice: “The world is a difficult place to make a space for a woman, let alone one born without privilege. I’ve failed more times in life than I have succeeded, but it never stopped me from bearing more failures just to have a bit of that success… [Women have been] brave, determined, and resilient just like every woman before us that fought for the rights we have today. And as such, we must continue to fight and nurture the anger and unfairness we feel to move us forward to equality.”
Gwyneth Ross Bukuhan, BS Chemical Engineering
Gwyneth Ross Bukuhan grew up in an environment that enabled her to pursue her passion for the sciences. She was a student of Pisay, and her brother, who took up BS Chemical Engineering, introduced her to the course and a related graduate program of environmental engineering.
“This certainly appealed to my advocacies at the time. With that newfound motivation, I enjoyed and focused on chemistry the most despite finding it very challenging throughout high school. Additionally, as the only sister of two older brothers working in the engineering sector, I wanted to prove that girls can be engineers too,” said Gwyneth.
Gwyneth, now a junior at UP Diliman, is excited to have a mentor, not just because of the guidance she will receive, but because it is a reminder that someone else has succeeded in what she wants to do.
She hopes to work in research and development in the food, beauty, or health and wellness industry. “But my ultimate dream is to bridge the gap between local production and Filipino-made brands through encouraging and eventually undertaking the establishment of local cosmetic manufacturing plants in the country,” she said.
Gwyneth’s advice: “If you’re hesitant because STEM is intimidating to you but you’re fascinated by it, go for it still. There is room to grow and time to truly understand any field of work as long you have the willingness to learn and work hard. With this principle, anyone can pursue STEM. The difficulty associated with it is only a challenge to surpass and never a restriction to those willing to try.”
Kryzell Carmona, BS Geology
Kryzell Carmona is grateful to have had parents who encouraged her to pursue any field she wanted, as they did not have the same privilege.
“It was clear to me from the start: I wanted to be a scientist, and now I am on my way to becoming a real geologist. I had already made up my mind since I was a child. The lack of representation did not stop me; I can be my role model and one for others as well. I am a woman, and I can do anything. Nothing can stand in my way,” the third year UP Diliman student said.
Kryzell hopes to become a geologist making a difference in disaster risk reduction in the Philippines. She wants to work towards environmental conservation through community engagement.
Kryzell’s advice: “One thing I can say: go for it! Be pretty while wearing lab coats, doing fieldwork, a leading as innovators. However, the reality is that you may also face challenges, especially discrimination or the lack of role models. But there are people like you who will help you — seek them out, and they will find you too. Once you find them, build a strong support system. It will be a steep hill to climb and will take time, but it will all be worth it. Be ambitious, dream big, and work hard to achieve your goals.”
The SHESTEMS Scholarship Awards is a key component of the Her Legacy Project, a foundation formed to champion the projects of UN Women Philippines Goodwill Ambassador Karen Davila.
It is the broadcast journalist’s first project as Goodwill Ambassador. – Rappler.com