The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) said it is advocating for gender inclusivity, with women leading research initiatives and holding key leadership roles.
Women make up 46 percent of the total workforce, with 35 percent in technical positions and nine percent in administrative roles, according to PNRI’s 2022 report.
This significant representation highlights PNRI’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment in nuclear science, where women play a vital role in driving innovation and progress.
PNRI deputy director Vallerie Ann Samson said the agency has been undertaking extensive research initiatives in nuclear science, and women have been integral to these advancements.
Samson presented PNRI’s ongoing research on nuclear applications in food and agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection and education. She emphasized the crucial role of women scientists in driving these projects forward.
“At PNRI, we celebrate women and girls in this field who are not only shaping the future of PNRI but also inspiring the next generation of researchers, leaders, and innovators,” Samson said.
PNRI director Dr. Carlo Arcilla said the institution has a long-standing commitment to gender equality in nuclear science.
PNRI actively fosters an inclusive environment through its gender and development (GAD) initiatives, promoting a gender-fair atmosphere in learning, research, and specialized nuclear services. The institute also advocates for gender-fair language and has established an online GAD Help Desk to further these efforts.
Arcilla has also been a strong advocate for gender representation at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
He cited the need for balanced representation within the agency to track progress in closing gender gaps during the 61st Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference.
“We acknowledge the progress made, but there is still work to be done. It is crucial to ensure more balanced representation, especially at senior and policy-making levels, and I am glad we get to practice this at PNRI,” Arcilla said.
Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Cong. Mark Cojuangco highlighted how woman experts have been championing its potential for the country’s energy security for years. Her insights, along with those of other women thought leaders, underscore the importance of continuing the conversation and building on past efforts to integrate nuclear power into the Philippines’ energy mix.
“Women are championing nuclear science in the Philippines, and we are here to ensure that their work is backed by policies that will drive the country forward,” Cojuangco said.
Alpas Pinas Convenor Gayle Certeza, for her part, said nuclear science is about breaking barriers in representation.
“The Philippines has proven that women can lead in this field, and it is our responsibility to continue supporting their journey toward a future powered by clean, cheap, and reliable energy that will mean cheaper electric rates for all Filipinos,” said Certeza.
When it comes to the field of nuclear science, women have also led the charge. Pioneering scientists like Marie Curie, who paved the way for research on radioactivity, and Lise Meitner, who contributed to the discovery of nuclear fission these two have are true trailblazers. But what is not so known is that Filipino women are also at the forefront of nuclear research, policy, and education, proving that gender is no barrier to excellence in the field.