Tackling the greatest
challenges of the Agenda for Sustainable Development, will depend on harnessing
all talent, and today, more than ever, science and gender equality are equally
vital to drive sustainable development. Despite this truth,
women account for only 30% of the world’s researchers, and with even lower
percentages at higher decision-making levels. In response, L’Oréal and UNESCO
founded the For Women in Science
(FWIS) program in 1998 with the mission to empower more women in the field of
sciences by increasing
the number of women in scientific research, promoting more young women to enter the profession, and to assist them
once their careers are in progress.
Since the launch of FWIS, the
program has supported more than 3,100 women scientists from 117 countries, and
celebrated 102 renowned scientists at the peak of their careers including three
who have won a Nobel Prize. The program has increased the visibility,
career opportunities, and self-confidence of women scientists across the world.
The Philippines has had the privilege of seeing Dr. Lourdes Cruz win as a
Global Laureate (2010) for her work with snail toxins, and has had four
Filipina scientists awarded as National Fellows (2011 and 2012).
June 5, 2018 marks a milestone for the Philippines as FWIS celebrates
the return of the program in the Country through the awarding of the newest
FWIS National Fellow. The program’s return to the
Philippines cements L’Oréal’s strong commitment to pushing women
empowerment and leadership in science in the Philippines. “The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science
program was founded with the mission to ensure that critical research across
various fields in science takes full advantage of the intelligence, creativity,
and passion of women,” shares Ms. Carmel Valencia, Corporate Communications
Manager of L’Oréal Philippines.
"We have been
immensely proud of the work of our Laureates, Fellows and all the awardees
across various fields, each proving to be vital in contributing towards
sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental
sustainability. They all serve as testament to our belief that women in science
truly have the power to change the world,” she asserts.
More than just an
awarding ceremony, the forum tackled the multifaceted challenges of gender
inequality in the field of science, recognized
women’s contributions across various fields, and underscored the critical need
for their full participation in driving the sustainable development agenda.
To solidify their commitment to drive increased women participation and
success in the field of science, a six-point manifesto was signed by
representatives from L’Oréal, UNESCO, National Academy of Science and
Technology (NAST), and the scientific community.
The forum also featured distinguished panel speakers and women leaders
from the scientific moderated by Ms. Rina Jimenez-David including Dr. Didith Rodrigo, Scientist and
Author of “Women in Science” Children’s Books; Dr. Marieta Sumagaysay,
Executive Director, National Research Council of the Philippines; and Dr. Laura
David, FWIS Philippines National Fellow 2011; and Dr. Aletta Yñiguez, FWIS Philippines National Fellow 2012, to name
a few. Each shared on their experiences as Filipina scientists and the
opportunities that they see for more thought-leaders in the community. Through
the discussion, it is L’Oréal’s and UNESCO’s hope to encourage visibility on
the challenges and breakthroughs of Filipina scientists and push more sectors
to provide support.
In its first year
back, FWIS awarded one outstanding woman scientist who is leading with her
study in chemical oceanography. Dr.
Charissa Ferrera is recognized as the FWIS Philippines National Fellow 2018.
With a relevant and timely research on the water quality in coastal areas and
fishing localities particularly Bolinao and Anda, Dr. Ferrera pushes for
sustainable mariculture by advocating to help communities recover from effects
of pollution through effective science communication.
“I
see my win as an opportunity to create a ripple effect that will allow for more
individuals to be inspired to pursue careers in science,” shares Dr. Ferrera on
winning the fellowship. As a woman who dared to ask, she hopes to encourage
women who want to become researchers to stay motivated. “Look for opportunities
because they are there and do not be afraid to ask. Always go for what you want
and keep going no matter the circumstances,” advised Dr. Ferrera.
After its
first year back in the country, FWIS looks at further pushing the needle to
create an impact in the local scientific community and will continue to
recognize women in the field as well as encourage awareness among the younger
generation.
About For
Women In Science
Founded in 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in
Science partnership was created to recognize and promote
women in science. Its programs reward established women scientists whose
outstanding achievements have contributed to the advancement of scientific
knowledge and provide support to promising young women who are already making
significant contributions in their scientific disciplines.
About L’Oréal Philippines
L’Oréal
Philippines has been present in the country as a wholly owned subsidiary of
L’Oréal since 1994. Based on the unique and diverse beauty needs of every
Filipino, L’Oreal Philippines manages a portfolio of the most technologically
advanced brands across several beauty categories and present across all beauty
channels, including L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, Garnier, Nyx Professional
Make Up, Kiehl’s, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Guy Laroche, L’Oréal
Professionnel, Kérastase, and Matrix.
As
one of the big beauty players in the country, L’Oréal Philippines has also made
its contributions as a good corporate citizen to the country over its 25 years
of presence. It is our priority and commitment to reduce the impact of our
activity on the planet and bolster positive socio-economic impact on the lives
of people and communities in the Philippines. This has been done through our
various philanthropic activities such as “Beauty For a Better Life,” and
“Citizen Day”.
About L'Oréal
L’Oréal has devoted itself to beauty for over
100 years. With its unique international portfolio of 34 diverse and
complementary brands, the Group generated sales amounting to 26.02 billion
euros in 2017 and employs 82 600 people worldwide. As the world’s leading
beauty company, L’Oréal is present across all distribution networks: mass
market, department stores, pharmacies and drugstores, hair salons, travel
retail, branded retail and e-commerce.Research and innovation, and a dedicated
research team of 3 885 people, are at the core of L’Oréal’s strategy,
working to meet beauty aspirations all over the world. L’Oréal’s sustainability
commitment for 2020 “Sharing Beauty With All” sets out ambitious sustainable
development objectives across the Group’s value chain.For
more information: http://mediaroom.loreal.com/en/
“This
news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy L'Oréal shares. If you wish to obtain more comprehensive
information about L'Oréal, please refer to the public documents registered in
France with the Autorité
des Marchés Financiers, also available in English on our Internet site www.loreal-finance.com. This news release may contain some forward-looking
statements. Although the Company considers that these statements are based on
reasonable hypotheses at the date of publication of this release, they are by
their nature subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual
results to differ materially from those indicated or projected in these
statements.”