Theresa Ochoa and Layla Hirsh: The empowerment of women must be cultivated from a young age

Both are outstanding professionals in different fields of research. Dr. Theresa Ochoa is a tireless researcher in the field of medicine, integrating -and often directing- different national and international studies on issues mainly related to pregnancy, newborns and children. On her part, Dr. Layla Hirsh is a specialist in bioscience and biotechnology, so her approach in the different scientific projects in which she participates has an approach from the world of computing.

, for which 51 candidates participated. Ochoa Woodell won in Category A: Scientific Excellence, which recognizes scientific researchers with a Ph.D. degree and their contribution to scientific knowledge and/or technological development. Hirsh Martínez won in Category B: Rising Talents, which rewards scientists under 45 years of age who have a doctorate degree or are in the process of obtaining it.

International Day of the Woman and Girl in ScienceY Trade talked with Ochoa and Hirsh about the keys so that every time there is

“In my class of Medicine, women were only a third of the student body, but we also occupied the first positions”

Theresa Ochoa Woodell

What does it mean to you to have won this award?

Layla Hirsch: It’s a nice recognition, but it’s more of a responsibility. I have always believed a lot in working with a low profile and this award has brought out many of the things I have done in recent years. I know that’s good for research, especially because the fact that I am a womanthat I am a mentor… but it also gives much more responsibility.

Theresa Ochoa: I thank and accept this award with great humility. And, indeed, it is a great responsibility because we are going to be in the sights of many people. Not only of the girls and our students, but of society. . Hopefully God enlightens us so that we continue to be good people and not miss the prize.

“At some point I competed against five or six male engineers and I have beaten them. Because with work things are achieved”

Layla Hirsch Martinez

How complex has it been for you to develop a professional career in science and technology?

LH: I studied Computer Engineering and have a Master’s degree in Computer Science. It is always a responsibility to be one of the few women, also representing a university and, sometimes, even the country in international consortiums. It is a responsibility, but also encouraging that there are more opportunities today. But I have never been treated badly, but you do feel a certain contempt, when a colleague tells you that “this is for men” or a teacher made sexist jokes in class. Today I am the first female head teacher in my major and in engineering you have few women who have reached this level. But everything has been at work. At some point I competed against five or six male engineers and I have beaten them. Because with work things are achieved. I have also seen terrible cases; companions who have lived horror stories. The important thing is that things are changing and it has to continue like this. I can say that, in my case, I had a pretty good time.

TO: In my case, I have never felt that I have fewer opportunities or that it is more difficult to develop myself in the academic part, as a student or teacher, or in the world of education. investigation for being a woman. I have mentioned this in many talks to which I have been invited to speak on the subject. I have not felt that way because, since I was little, I have always had an education in which men and women are equal. It is true that, in my class of Medicine, women were only a third of the student body, but we also occupied the first positions. The number did not matter, because we were still the most responsible and hard-working. I also didn’t feel it when I was a resident or doctor. Mine may be a particular case, but a separate issue is that, if you decide to have a family, you have to remove more dirt because the housework is usually recharged on women. Fortunately, I have a lot of support from my husband.

How can the presence of women in science be further encouraged?

LH: It seems to me that this is everyone’s job. If I have achieved what I have achieved it has been because of my family. My dad always sought to make me independent. Normally, the obstacles are usually put by a man. So, it’s everyone’s job. We are beginning to realize that the new generations are orienting that, if you have a girl, wanting to be a little princess or a nurse does not have to be among your options.

TO: For me, the solution is in empower women in general. Not just so that they then have an inclination towards science, but in general. Since it is in gestation, since it is born. . That empowerment has to come from an early age. On the other hand, one of the good things that something as terrible as this pandemic has left us is the unique opportunity to highlight doing science, research, at least in the biomedical field. I think a lot of young women are saying, “hey, I want to learn about molecular biology too and what it’s like about vaccines.” So, I think it has aroused interest in quite a few young people and that should be promoted.