There is no turning back. The only way is forward.
“O Engenho de ser Mulher no Engenho”, a podcast of the “Sim, Ela Pode” initiative and campaign developed within the SECOVE project, seeks to raise awareness and engage the community in building a more inclusive and resilient future. At its core, the initiative aims to give voice to women – some who are too often denied visibility, recognition and equal opportunities. By exploring the connections between science, technology, equality and gender representation, the podcast seeks to challenge preconceived ideas, highlight different success stories, and encourage meaningful organisational and structural change. After all, visibility is the first step for cultural change and structural progress towards a more representative sector.
Over the past year, the initiative welcomed six women from different yet highly relevant fields. The episodes were designed around a dual and complementary perspective. On the one hand, we invited women with an academic and/or professional background in STEM to share their journeys, the challenges of being a woman in STEM and the need to make these pathways more inclusive. On the other hand, the podcast also addressed organisational and educational policies for inclusion and diversity, bringing in perspectives from women in Education, Social sector, and Human Resources and Career Orientation.
Three episodes, Three Shared Narratives
Across the first three episodes, which featured women from STEM fields, one central idea stood out: women bring distinctive and valuable skills to their professional environments, particularly in areas traditionally dominated by men. Adaptability, organisation and communication emerged as key strengths, capable of driving more innovative and resilient STEM sectors.
In contexts still shaped by structural barriers and heightened social expectations, intra and interpersonal skills are not merely individual qualities – they become essential tools for navigating demanding and often unequal career paths.
The idea of an empowering community also emerged clearly throughout the episodes. The podcast participants highlighted the importance of support networks, collaboration and solidarity among women, especially in sectors where they remain underrepresented. These networks are not secondary; they are often what makes persistence, growth and leadership possible.
Finally, the need for inclusive organisational cultures and leadership was a recurring theme across all episodes. Inclusive leadership was presented as a key catalyst for transforming workplaces that continue to be marked by gender inequality. Positive early-career experiences were also identified as decisive for retaining young women in STEM and for building a more resilient sector with stronger social impact.
The beginning of a new chapter
Although the project is coming to an end (June 2026), its mission will continue and this podcast marks not an ending, but a transition. Rooted in SECOVE’s work on inclusive and attractive VET practices and aligned with its awareness-raising campaign to encourage more women into technical professions, the podcast will become part of a wider strategy. The social media platforms (Sim, Ela Pode e Mind the GAP) will be transformed into a collaborative and open space for past and on-going initiatives that reflect our values. We will shift from a project-focused approach to a more holistic framework, inviting everyone with interest to share good practices, resources, platforms and opportunities that target women representation in STEM.
The story continues: New voices ahead
This article represents the part 1 of “There is no turning back. The only way is forward”, focusing on the first impressions of the first three episodes. The second part will be about the last three episodes, with a shift of focus.
If you had a good read, stay tuned. We will post news soon.
Progress is not guaranteed nor does it become permanent without continued effort. We still need to make ourselves heard.
