“We need to deconstruct the idea that women do not belong in certain spaces, or that we are not good, for example, at science or engineering.
SANTO DOMINGO – Ashley Morales-Cartagena, a woman of great stature, is the first Latina to serve on the board of directors of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute in the United States. The director of the Center for Resilience and Multi-Hazard Risk Research (CIRRMA) at the Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) believes that after many battles, women have gained ground and rights, “but we still have a long way to go.”
When asked by El Inmobiliario about her valuation, she replies that “Yes, I feel valued but it has taken me a lot of effort to earn this “value”.
For the distinguished civil engineering profession, International Women's Day is a date to remember with great respect, as it commemorates the struggle of women who dared to raise their voices to conquer rights that did not "belong" to us.
“It is a day to celebrate progress in gender equality, as well as to remember the importance of continuing to work towards a future where everyone has the same opportunities and rights. It is an occasion to recognize and honor the fundamental role that women have played and continue to play in all areas of society, from science and politics to culture and family care. It is a reminder that together we can create a fairer and more equitable world for everyone,” she emphasizes.
She believes that while there has been significant progress in recognizing women's rights and value in many parts of the world, much remains to be done. “Despite the progress, significant challenges persist in terms of gender equality and the recognition of women's rights. We need not only recognition but also a more just society for women,” Morales-Cartagena emphasizes.
She adds: “We need to deconstruct the idea that women don’t belong in certain spaces, or that we aren’t good, for example, at science or engineering. Inequalities persist in terms of job opportunities, salaries, representation in leadership positions, and access to decision-making.”.
Add to the list the significant gaps in the recognition and appreciation of women's contributions in various fields, from science and technology to art and culture. "Often, women face additional obstacles to being recognized and respected for their careers and achievements," she says.
She adds that “although we have made progress in terms of awareness and activism in support of women’s rights, there is still a long way to go to achieve true gender equality and full recognition of the value and contributions of women in all areas of society. It is important to continue working together, men and women, to address these challenges and build a more equitable and just world for all.”.
For Ashley Morales-Cartagena, being a woman is like being a force of nature, a voice that rises up in the midst of adversity and at the same time, an inspiration to those around us.
“It means embracing who we are and finding power in what we may identify as weakness. It means building community, leading with head and heart, and breaking with established paradigms and stereotypes to achieve what we were made to do.”.
She has been working at PUCMM for 9 years and although she understands that there are always opportunities to grow, she recognizes that they have believed in her from day one and that trust has allowed her to soar.
She asks women not to stop, to recognize their worth, to reflect on their achievements, and to celebrate their accomplishments. “I urge you to unite in solidarity, to support one another, and to raise your voices as often as necessary.”
I also urge you to never settle for less than you deserve, and to never surrender your power to anyone else. “I ask you to continue being agents of change in your communities, to lead with compassion and empathy, and to work for a more just and equitable world for all people.”.
On International Women's Day, the distinguished engineer celebrates all women for their strength, resilience, and ability to make the world a better place, urging them never to forget the power they have to inspire, create, and transform, and to continue being a light and hope in a world that needs them so much.
She tells young women that they can do it, reminding them that "if you give up, you lose," and that there shouldn't be a future without them. "At this point in your lives, when you're exploring the world and discovering who you are, I want to remind you how incredibly valuable and powerful you are. You have unlimited potential within you to achieve anything you set your mind to.".
He urges them to dream big, and then pursue those dreams with determination and passion. “Today I am living the life I once dreamed of for myself, but which I often thought was impossible to achieve.”.
She advises them not to let anyone tell them there's something they can't do because they're women. "You are capable of achieving any goal you set for yourselves, whether in science, art, business, or any other field you're passionate about. No dream is too big, and the world is full of opportunities we can seize.".
He asked them to prepare themselves and never stop learning, "our education is our greatest weapon to conquer all spaces and combined with our perseverance and sensitivity we achieve great things.".
“Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them,” she emphasizes, adding that the road to success won't always be easy, but every challenge they face will make them stronger and more resilient. “Never forget all that makes us extraordinary and that we deserve everything we've worked so hard for.”.
