My aunt and uncle, who together have more than 180 years of experience, commented a few days ago that how lucky I am, that in their times, even if they were "worthy", women did not usually have the opportunity to study, much less "science" careers. This is one of the reasons why every February 11 we celebrate around the world the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It is a date proposed by the United Nations to promote access and full and equal participation of women of all ages in science, and a reminder that women play a fundamental role in scientific and technological development, although their presence should certainly be strengthened. Today I would like to give thanks for what has been achieved, consider areas in which we still have work to do and, finally, dream of a future in which this day will not be necessary.

The reality of the presence of women in the history of science, although largely not supported, recognized and remembered as it should be, is not lost on anyone. From ancient times to the present day, there are names of women who have contributed to science and technology and to a better world, such as Hildergard de Bingen, Wang Zhenyi and Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze, among others. Thanks to these pioneers, women have had references and have discovered their vocation. Through their tenacity and in some cases with the support of their families and mentors, women have been able to train and develop a scientific career. Their excellent work, often at great personal sacrifice and against the conventions of the time, has made possible their significant contribution to the development of knowledge and technology. We are also grateful for the work of associations that promote and support professional development and give visibility to the work of women. Thus, more and more girls are not hesitating to develop their scientific vocation.

Although in developed countries the professional incorporation of women into scientific and technological development is partly underway, we should ask ourselves how to continue this important work. On the one hand, in families and schools we must remain attentive to discovering and promoting the development of scientific vocations. It is essential that children have references that allow them to say "when I grow up I want to be...", and for this reason the role of scientists is invaluable, not only by doing science, but also by communicating science and giving visibility to their vocation. On the other hand, governments and institutions must substantially improve their support for scientific and technological development with plans that sufficiently and continuously support professional development, especially for women. Work-life balance continues to be a pending issue, since for women it is a barrier to choosing and developing their professional careers, particularly in positions of responsibility and decision-making. Finally, only if we as a society make visible and value the effort and tenacity of scientists, and the great benefit - in terms of knowledge, health, ecology, industry, economics and society - that their work represents, will we have the will to protect and promote science.

We must not forget, however, that in a large part of our planet schooling, especially for girls, is a pending task. Where there is nothing to eat, where survival is the way of life, there is hardly any illusion or opportunity to think about a professional vocation, be it scientific or otherwise, which perpetuates the vicious circle of poverty, both personal and social. We must also be aware of how easy it is to undo the path towards the full inclusion of women in any sphere of society; the situation in Afghanistan, for example, reminds us of this on a daily basis.

Finally, I would like to reflect on the need to celebrate this day. As scientists, our status as women is not what defines us, it is a central aspect of our nature, but it does not determine our capabilities or our professional worth. Therefore, being grateful for what has already been achieved and knowing that we have areas in which to improve, let us look beyond and ask ourselves whether, as a society, it is not time to focus our drive on recognizing and supporting people's talent. Let us value the diversity of interests and capabilities, and let us commit ourselves to identifying the unique potential of each person in order to be able to support them appropriately. In line with what María Iraburu said in her inauguration as President of the University of Navarra, let us seek to be a society committed to talent, wherever it is and wherever it comes from, in which there is no need to design policies tailored to groups, but rather focused on each person and their capabilities, so that we can all put the full development of our vocation at the service of a better world.