WOMEN AND SCIENCE
Report on the visit by the Rêv'Elles association: stepping up support for gender equality
On April 30, the Institut Pasteur hosted the Rêv'Elles association as part of its commitment to gender equality and its efforts to tackle all forms of discrimination.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness and provide information for young women from less privileged backgrounds about the careers available at the Institut Pasteur. The initiative was led by two dedicated Institut Pasteur staff: Hajar Guedira, in charge of partnerships and accreditations in the CARE Department (Career Development Service for Scientists) and in the Department for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI); and Claire Pujol, a scientist in the Mitochondrial Biology Unit, in collaboration with the Rêv'Elles association. (See their profile in the newsletter from March 7, 2025)
This day at the Institut Pasteur was an opportunity for 13 women aged 17 to 22 to see how a research laboratory works in practice and find out about professions in science and research, with the aim of helping them overcome the frequent phenomenon of self-censorship by widening their professional horizons.
During the morning, the participants were divided into small groups of four to encourage discussion and interaction. Accompanied by Sara Ortica, Naomie Pont and Ilona Mignerey (from the Zebrafish Neurogenetics Unit), the young women were given an insight into the workings of a research laboratory. They then visited the insectariums with Hélèna Sefiane-Djemaoune and were treated to a presentation by Malika Serra-Hassoun of her research on malaria. Finally, Claire Maudet-Crépin spoke about her career and her experience at the Institut Pasteur.
During the afternoon, the participants met women working in various support roles at the Institut Pasteur to gain a better idea of the many different careers available in research support.
Témoignages
"Once again this year, the opportunity to meet young women from the Rêv'Elles association was a memorable and moving experience. It is wonderful to have the chance to share their energy and curiosity and to be given a glimpse of their dreams.
And once again, the day went by too quickly, and we wish we could have done more. We try to build connections and stay in touch so that we can do our bit to support them as they start out on their professional lives in a context that is not always easy, at a time when higher education and scientific careers might seem far removed from their everyday environment. We remind them that we need them and that, contrary to what they might think or feel, these careers can also be accessible to them."
Claire Pujol
"This event with the young women accompanied by the Rêv'Elles association was a special and inspirational experience. I appreciated the chance to talk to them about my career as a scientific and medical illustrator, but above all it was an opportunity for me to get to know a bunch of people who are curious, passionate and fascinating, who shared their stories, questions and experiences with a great deal of honesty and generosity.
Splitting off into small groups for interviews, followed by a feedback session all together with the creation of posters, meant that we could really talk to them and get to know them. Seeing my own career summarized and presented by others was also a very moving experience.
I felt that I learned as much from them as anything they may have learned from me. It was a meaningful and memorable encounter, an opportunity to open up and share with others, and it makes me hopeful for the future."
Margaux Pailha
Our thanks to:
Hajar Guedira and Claire Pujol join with the Rêv'Elles association in extending their heartfelt thanks to all Institut Pasteur staff who got involved in this event and shared inspiring accounts of their careers and work:
Sara Ortica, Naomie Pont, Ilona Mignerey (Zebrafish Neurogenetics), Hélèna Sefiane-Djemaoune (Center for the Production and Infection of Anopheles); Malika Serra-Hassoun (Biology of Plasmodium Infection and Transmission); Claire Maudet-Crépin (Biology of Infection), Marie Martin (Scientific Information Resource Center), Margaux Pailha (scientific and medical illustrator), Tatiana Rivet (Legal Department), Odile Sismeiro (Academic Affairs Department); We would also like to thank the ANR PasteurEduc grant for making this event possible.
Find out more
Last year, this event featured in an episode of the in-house podcast “En immers(i)on.” Click here to listen to the episode. (in French)