The Éclaireuses project: Shining a Light on Women's Contributions to Science

In honor of International Women's Day on March 8th and belatedly commemorating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th, CIRAD is proud to highlight the participation of two Ciradian female researchers, Dr. Estelle Biénabe, an agricultural economics researcher based in Vietnam, and Dr. Florine Degrune, a soil biodiversity specialist based in Laos, in a meaningful event called Éclaireuses (Women Scouts). 

The event was organized by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - IRD) at the French International School Alexandre Yersin (Lycée français Alexandre Yersin - LFAY), in Hanoi. LFAY's vice-principal Ms. Magali Aktas-Vallier and IRD's representative director in Vietnam and the Philippines Dr. Edmond Dounias presided over the event. This initiative is part of IRD's commitment to gender equality and has been awarded the Generation Equality label by UN Women. "Éclaireuses" aims to inspire the next generation by showcasing the crucial role of women in scientific research.

Going beyond celebrating the achievements of women in science, the Éclaireuses event is a movement to open young minds to the vast possibilities across scientific disciplines. The event uses a speed-searching concept where female high school students can participate in express meetings with female researchers from various disciplines. 

During these small group sessions, students and researchers engage in rapid exchanges of ideas, all centered around a symbolic object selected by the researchers to represent their field of work. This format provides a dynamic and impactful platform for dialogue and inspiration, a powerful tool for deconstructing gender stereotypes and expanding career horizons for young people.

Our researchers shared their reflections on the event, offering a glimpse into its profound impact on the participants and themselves.

Dr. Bienabe commented on the event's significance, "Participating in this event convinced me of the usefulness of this type of exchange, which allows for close interaction. It was exciting to see the curiosity aroused among the students and their interest in various subjects; and for example, their feedback on the fact that they did not know that scientific research could be carried out in so many areas and for some students, that this opened up other horizons for them."

This sentiment underscores the profound impact of direct engagement, which provides young students with role models they can identify with and thereby influences their academic and career trajectories.

Following the event, Dr. Bienabe and Dr. Degrune were interviewed, sharing their insights and experiences on the school's radio show.

In celebrating International Women's Day and acknowledging women's contributions to science, CIRAD continues to champion the essential role of women in advancing scientific discovery and innovation, ensuring an inclusive and diverse future in the scientific community.