At the Europe House in Bijelo Polje, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science was marked with a panel discussion titled:
“Girls Shaping the Future: Women in Innovation and Science”
The event was dedicated to knowledge, curiosity, courage, and the choices that girls and young women make on their path to science, technology, and innovation.
Through an open and inspiring discussion, the panellists shared their experiences of learning, challenges and achievements, confirming that a career in STEM fields is not always easy, but it is possible and worthwhile.
Professor of Chemistry Radmila Radović, this year’s recipient of the municipality’s highest recognition, the “3 January” Award, spoke about her success and professional journey.
“My satisfaction and success lie in seeing that children understand me, that they believe in me, and that with my support, they achieve their own success. Events like this are extremely important because girls in science often do not receive sufficient recognition. I am an example of someone who worked quietly for years, and in the end, that was acknowledged, my success was recognised, and my long-term work was valued. Even today, I emphasise that, although my work was unobtrusive and away from the spotlight, I was doing a job I love. It is important for young people to understand that science does not require perfection, but perseverance, curiosity and determination,” Radović pointed out.
Doctor of Biotechnical Sciences Jasmina Balijagić also addressed the panel, recalling her beginnings in science.
“I would now like to thank Mrs Knežević and her colleagues publicly, because at that time I was not only a woman in science, but also a mother without support, with a one-year-old baby. There were no nurseries in this town at the time, and I had no one to look after my child. Imagine — at that time, a woman dared to pursue science. Mrs Knežević said she would take my son into an older group and take responsibility for the baby. We did not see each other often, but we truly consider her a member of our family and our greatest friend. I want to say that I did not wish to give up on science. I must say that a woman is indeed the pillar of the home, but if she wants to pursue science, she must invest twice as much strength — and if she truly wants something, she will succeed,” Dr Balijagić emphasised, among other things.
Majra Kasumović, a second-year student at “Miloje Dobrašinović” Grammar School, spoke about her love for mathematics and everything that led her into the world of science.
“From an early age, I loved mathematics, played logic games, solved puzzles, and all of that helped me tackle logical problems. In the sixth year of primary school, I began competing in mathematics. Panels like this are very important for building young people’s confidence, because the number of girls in science is very small, and we need to raise awareness that girls in science do exist,” Kasumović added.
As part of the panel discussion, two films featuring successful women from Bijelo Polje were shown: Elma Hot Dervić, a researcher at the Medical University of Vienna, and Ivana Jovanović, a specialist in computer science.
Two young guests were also specially introduced: Marija Kovačević, a seventh-year pupil at “Dušan Korać” Primary School, who enjoys reciting poetry — a talent that earned her first place at both the Municipal and National Reciters’ Competitions — and Hana Striković, a student at the Secondary Vocational School in the health technician programme, through which she connected with the natural sciences, particularly chemistry.
The panel discussion was organised in partnership with the Office for Gender Equality of the Municipality of Bijelo Polje.
The moderators of the panel were Almasa Rizvanović and Vasilija Obradović.