Why did you decide to join WiMS?
I was happy to learn of an initiative focused on women in marine science because I feel like there is a need to support and encourage women to participate and engage in this field. I want to participate in an environment that listens to women, is interested to know their challenges and is ready to help them find solutions.
Each of the members of the SC are appointed for 3 years. What would you like to achieve during your time in the Steering Committee?
I hope that I can help find some concrete solutions to help women participate more thoroughly in their chosen professions. A major challenge that I see for many women and single parents is a lack of support for families. I would like to raise an awareness of these issues, and help institute some measures to support families such that more women can engage fully in their careers.
Why should women marine scientists join WiMS?
WiMS provides a network of women working in similar fields in the same region, and this network can become the basis of a strong support system. I also feel that WiMS can be a tool whereby women in this region can express solidarity. This solidarity can then give power to our voices in helping to raise awareness of the challenges that women face, and in helping to find solutions to these challenges.
Do you have any advice for young women planning to pursue careers in marine science?
I hope young women will work hard, see their own value and believe in themselves. I hope that they will step up and take on challenges that may be out of their comfort zone. I suggest they take all the opportunities that present themselves, but push to make their own opportunities and strike their own path. And then, I hope they stick with it!