The Instituto de las Mujeres is making a significant impact at the AULA Fair, which runs from March 26 to March 30, 2025, at IFEMA Madrid. This event serves as a platform for educational engagement, particularly focusing on promoting STEAM vocations among girls and adolescents.
As part of its initiative, the Instituto de las Mujeres has set up an informative stand and a dedicated space called 'Aula de Igualdad' in Pavilion 3. Here, around 20 workshops and activities will be held, all aimed at increasing the visibility of women mathematicians and encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
During the fair's inauguration, Cristina Hernández, the director of the Instituto de las Mujeres, emphasized the importance of public institutions participating in educational events. She stated, "It is crucial for a public institution that leads in equality policies to be present during the Education Week." This year's theme, "Multiplica tu futuro con las matemáticas y las vocaciones STEM y rompe con las brechas de género," translates to "Multiply your future with mathematics and STEM vocations and break gender gaps."
The workshops in the Aula de Igualdad will cover a variety of topics, including space exploration, gender in digital health technologies, and the role of women in the State Security Forces. Other subjects will include ecofeminism, non-sexist communication, and parity in festivals and the music industry. These activities are designed to promote equality and a feminist perspective in various fields.
Throughout the five-day event, the Instituto de las Mujeres will also provide educational materials to students, teachers, and families, sharing information about educational programs and activities that the organization supports.
The AULA Fair, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Professional Training, and Sports, is a vital space for educational guidance. It brings together universities, vocational training centers, and public institutions to assist students in finding their career paths. In recent years, the Instituto de las Mujeres has increased its presence at the AULA Fair to further promote gender equality in educational settings.
On the same day, the Semana de la Educación opened its doors at IFEMA Madrid, focusing on Mathematics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the need for generational change in industrial trades. This year, the event is expected to attract over 120,000 visitors, with the theme "Multiplica tu futuro con las Matemáticas y las vocaciones STEM" designed to combat the prevalent fear of mathematics among students.
Nuria de Miguel, the director of the Semana de la Educación, noted that there is a real fear of mathematics, which has caused a stagnation in women's choices in fields like engineering and technology. She highlighted that only 18.3% of women are enrolled in engineering and technology degrees, and even fewer, less than 12%, in computer science. To address this, the Semana de la Educación aims to offer a fresh perspective on mathematics through engaging activities that help students overcome their fears.
Additionally, this year's event features a new Digi e-Learning fair, which focuses on AI as a learning tool. This initiative is part of a broader effort to introduce students to professions in industrial sectors that are facing a generational gap, despite high employability rates.
Various sectors, including construction and transportation, will showcase their activities during the fair. The event also includes an orientation area, which is highly recommended for attendees to help guide their educational journey.
The fair is organized into different sections, with vocational training in Pavilion 5 and university studies in Pavilion 3. The military and emergency services, including the Military Emergency Unit (UME), will also have a presence, as they have been popular attractions in previous editions.
In addition to educational initiatives, the fair features activities such as a robotics classroom in collaboration with Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, as well as a giant chess area for tournaments, allowing students to engage in fun and intellectually stimulating activities.
Meanwhile, Iberia is making its debut at the AULA Fair, aiming to connect with young students and enhance its employer brand in the aviation sector. The airline's stand in Hall 5 will provide an immersive experience using Apple Pro Vision glasses, allowing students to virtually explore the roles of pilots, cabin crew, and engineers.
María Bello, Iberia’s Director of People and Diversity, expressed the airline's commitment to inspiring young people to consider careers in aviation. She stated, "With this initiative, we want to get closer to the youngest students and awaken in them a vocation for professions that are perhaps, at first, unknown to them due to a lack of nearby references."
Iberia's participation is part of a broader strategy to attract young talent to the aviation industry, which is experiencing a surge in job demand. The airline's stand will feature professionals from various fields to share their career journeys and provide insights into the qualifications needed for these roles.
In addition to the AULA Fair, Iberia has several initiatives aimed at fostering interest in aviation careers. The "Quiero Ser" program promotes female talent in aviation, while the "I Want to Be a Pilot" program involves Iberia pilots visiting schools to share their experiences. Furthermore, the airline has established a chair at the Polytechnic University of Madrid to support research and education in aeronautics.
Overall, the AULA Fair and Semana de la Educación represent significant opportunities for students to explore various educational paths and careers, particularly in fields where gender disparities still exist. By focusing on equality and innovation, these events aim to inspire the next generation of leaders in science, technology, and beyond.
