Audiobook on Panamanian Women Scientists

A new audiobook, «Pelaítas de Ciencias», tells the stories of nine female pioneers of science in Panama, including the first gynecologist, Lidia G. Sogandaras, and anthropology pioneer Reina Torres de Araúz. Their stories demonstrate that Panamanian girls can achieve great things. Narrated by Verónica Gutiérrez and post-produced by Azael Buendía, the audiobook gives voice to the stories written by Vannie Arrocha, Lucy Chau, and Roxana Muñoz. The project aims to create female role models to inspire girls to dream and imagine themselves as scientists. «This is our contribution to overcoming gender stereotypes in science, which still keep girls away from scientific careers in the country,» commented Eugenia Rodríguez Blanco, coordinator of the «Pioneras de la Ciencia» project. This initiative seeks to highlight the great work of Panamanian women in science and serve as an inspiration for the country's girls. The project aims to rescue and bring visibility to the stories of the first female scientists in Panama, recognizing both the difficulties they faced and their fundamental contributions, and incorporating them into the country's scientific history. The life stories of nine science pioneers in Panama can now be heard. This audio production was created with the support of the Centro Cultural de España and developed as part of the «Pioneras de la Ciencia» project, led by the Centro Internacional de Estudios Políticos y Sociales (CIEPS-AIP) with funding from the Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT). The launch coincides with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11. This format will allow it to reach people with visual impairments or reading difficulties, expanding the reach of inclusive science communication. It is available for free on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.