The world needs science and science needs women". This is the slogan used by the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO - in its program to recognize the role of women scientists - which reflects two great truths. The world needs science to explore the unknown, to evolve, and to provide solutions to the various problems that affect us. On the other hand, 50% of the individuals who inhabit our world are women, and our active participation is essential both to be able to adequately identify the problems of our society and to provide solutions to them.

It is clear that women and men are different, even at the cellular level. Our cells detect and respond very differently to certain stimuli, and these differences provide some gender-related explanations; however, these differences do not imply that women's capacity for science is superior or inferior, but rather that the participation of women and men in problem solving provides different angles of vision, which, in science, means enrichment.

Scientific activity is developed in multidisciplinary groups, despite the fact that the results of science are still perceived as coming from great geniuses, especially those who have been awarded a Nobel Prize. In this type of recognition, an individual is rewarded without taking into account all the researchers who have contributed to this scientific development.

Although the situation of women in science is gradually gaining more prominence, there are still very important differences supported by objective data. Recent studies carried out by different public and private institutions continue to show that women do not have the same opportunities as men in the development of professional careers in the field of science. In some fields such as engineering, mathematics or physics, among others, the number of women is lower at all stages. However, in the case of the health sciences - where in the initial stages we find a majority participation of women - we see that their professional development stagnates.

One of the reasons for the low presence of women in positions of responsibility in the field of science and technology is the lack of female role models. However, these women have existed and do exist, but they have not been given adequate visibility. In this sense, some initiatives are appearing on the part of different institutions inside and outside our country. In our closest environment: the Science Museum of the University of Navarra has developed a cycle of videos in which they reflect the biographies and brilliant careers of great women scientists unknown to the general public.

It seems necessary to work hard to break the ceilings imposed by different societies throughout history that hinder the personal and professional growth of women. We cannot forget that it has not been many years since women have had access to higher education, which is still vetoed in some countries and communities.

In short, it is essential to work together to give women and girls access to equal education, promote their interest and foster their capabilities in the development of science and technology at all levels. It is necessary to empower women if we want to move towards a more just and critical society.