The University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development, in partnership with the Austrian Embassy-Manila, successfully hosted the 4th Women in STEAM webinar on 21 March 2025, with the theme Empowering Women in STEAM: Innovating, Adapting, and Leading with Resilience.
UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan III, H.E. Dr. Johann Brieger, the Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines, and the UPD Gender Office Coordinator, Ms. Anna Myrishia Villanueva graced the event. In his message of support, Chancellor Vistan emphasized the importance of amplifying women’s voices and ensuring their contributions are fully recognized in these STEAM fields, while H.E. Dr. Brieger reaffirmed his commitment to creating opportunities that empower women to innovate, adapt, and lead with resilience in STEAM. He also highlighted the vital role educators play in inspiring change and driving progress. Ms. Villanueva called for a collective effort to build inclusive spaces that nurture talent and equip women with the tools to lead and adapt. She encouraged everyone to champion women’s contributions and become part of the growing movement to empower them in STEAM.
Two distinguished speakers shared their insights and experiences, highlighting the growing impact of women in diverse STEAM fields. Dr. Pamela Cajilig, a design anthropologist for disaster and climate, spoke about the power of human-centered and inclusive design in developing sustainable, community-based solutions in vulnerable regions. She highlighted a project she was involved in in Tacloban City following Super Typhoon Yolanda, an experience that shaped her understanding of how people live and “die in our built” environment. Dr. Cajilig shared some of the lessons she learned along her journey. First was the importance of learning from grassroots and local communities, recognizing social tensions as a starting point for reflection and meaningful action. She also stressed the urgency of centering local knowledge and the necessity of cross-disciplinary, forward-thinking approaches to disaster and climate resilience.
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| Dr. Pamela Cajilig shares her insights gained from collaborating with grassroots and local communities. |
Ms. Kayleigh Saunderson, a textile archaeologist from the Natural History Museum in Vienna, offered a fascinating glimpse into how ancient textile production informs modern material science and cultural preservation. She introduced archaeology as the study of past human life and activities through the excavation and analysis of material remains such as tools, structures, and artifacts. Ms. Saunderson also emphasized that while textile production in ancient Europe was primarily done by women, archaeology itself has traditionally been a male-dominated field. She further emphasized that textile archaeology sheds light on the overlooked contributions of women in history, revealing how clothing was not only practical but also a symbol of social identity and cultural expression. By studying prehistoric clothing, we gain a deeper understanding of women’s roles in society and the ways clothing reflects status, community ties, and personal identity. Ultimately, she pointed out that the impact of textile archaeology is significant—it gives voice to the silent narratives of women in the past and deepens our understanding of everyday life in ancient societies.
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| Ms. Kayleigh Saunderson addresses questions from participants on both YouTube Live and Facebook Live. |
This annual gathering aimed to inspire more young women to pursue and succeed in STEAM careers while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for future generations of female scientists, engineers, artists, and mathematicians.
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