FEMALE TALENT
RETENTION PROGRAM
IN INFORMATICS

Program of female talent retention in Informatics, based on mentoring and other activities aimed at supporting the development of academic trajectories and the creation of a space for sharing experiences, aware of gender issues. Program developed at the Department of Informatics Engineering at the University of Coimbra.


INSPIRA aims to: (i) Attract, support and retain female students, researchers, and professors in the area of ​​Informatics at the University of Coimbra, by supporting the development of their academic trajectories; (ii) Promote a research and academic environment more sensitive, reflective and aware of gender issues; (iii) Create a space for sharing experiences, acquiring skills and accessing mentors who provide training and the promotion of good practices.

Mentorship should abide fundamental principles that aim to ensure the good functioning of the program, so mentoring:

Must be understood as a natural and integral part of ones personal and professional development. Mentoring is not a sign of weakness or of an activity that is undertaken simply to correct a deficiency;

Should be understood as a two-way process that produces change and improvement in both mentees as mentors;

Must not involve hidden agendas. The effectiveness of mentoring depends on the will of the mentor and mentee to engage in an open dialogue about the strengths, weaknesses, and goals of the mentee. The relationship must be based on mutual trust.