In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Durango City Council, in collaboration with the Dendak Bai merchants’ association and the Elhuyar Foundation, has launched the “February 11th Shop Windows” initiative. This campaign, running from February 2nd to 15th, aims to recognize the work of women in science and technology and to bring their careers closer to the public through local businesses.
Thanks to this initiative, 20 businesses in Durango will decorate their shop windows with posters, illustrations, and other elements inspired by the lives and work of different female scientists. Each business will pay tribute to a prominent woman in the scientific field, amplifying her work and promoting the creation of female role models in science and technology.
It is worth noting that among the scientists being honored is Mari Luz Guenaga Gómez, a computer engineer and president of the Kurutziaga Ikastola (Basque-language school), which provides a special connection to the educational community of Durango. Alongside her, the work of eleven other nationally and internationally recognized female scientists will be highlighted.
In addition, an educational scavenger hunt will be organized in which students from Zabalarra School, Landako School, San Antonio School, Nevers School, Durango Jesuit School, Fray Juan de Zumarraga High School, and Oinarriz Vocational Institute will participate. By visiting participating businesses, the children will have to identify the scientists and answer questions about their careers.
Jesica Ruiz, Councilor for Equality in the Durango City Council, emphasized the importance of this initiative as a tool for social transformation: “With ‘February 11th Shop Windows,’ we not only pay tribute to women who have made history in science, but we also open the door for new generations of girls to see themselves reflected in these role models. Making their work visible is essential to building a more egalitarian society, where talent and vocation are not limited by gender.”
Participating businesses and honored scientists:
AGIRREZABAL ELEKTROTRESNAK – Mari Luz Guenaga Gómez (Computer Engineer)
BED’S DURANGO – Marie Anne Gillain Boivin (Medicine and Obstetrics)
DENDAK BAI ELKARTEA – Elisabeth Rasekoala (Chemical Engineer)
DUZU KAFE TABERNA – Rebecca Lee Crumpler (Physician)
FOLDER – Jane Goodall (Ethologist)
FOTO ARENTZA – Jane Goodall (Ethologist)
INDALA PELUQUERÍA ORGÁNICA – Amaia Ortiz Barredo (Microbiologist)
LANDAKO OPTIKA – Ola Arafat (Pharmacy and Biotechnology)
LOTERÍA Nº 2 – Yásnaya Aguilar Gil (Linguist and Writer)
NEREKOPI – Mari Luz Guenaga Gómez (Engineer) Computer Science)
OLABEGOJEASKOETXEA – Lourdes Herrasti (Historian and Anthropologist)
OLIVER – Marie Anne Gillain Boivin (Medicine and Obstetrics)
PAPO’S MEN – Hong Wang (Mathematician)
PIO PIO (Monago Torre, 2) – Ruby Payne-Scott (Astronomer)
PIO PIO (Alluitz, 1) – Olatz Ortega Vidales (Biologist)
SANCHO TENA – Elisabeth Rasekoala (Chemical Engineer)
SYLKE – Olatz Ortega Vidales (Biologist)
TAULA – Yásnaya Aguilar Gil (Linguist and Writer)
TYL SPACES – Lourdes Herrasti (Historian and Anthropologist)
VINOTECA GURREA – Amaia Ortiz Barredo (Microbiologist)
The illustrations and stories of the honored scientists can be found in the special section dedicated to “11 February” available on the Bizilabe website.
The Durango City Council, Dendak Bai, and Elhuyar invite all citizens to visit the shop windows, participate in the treasure hunt, and discover the important work of these scientists who, through their research, have paved the way for new generations.
Source: dotb.eus
