<i>Mulheres pela Primatologia</i>: a Brazilian social movement promoting women in science and primate conservation

Abstract

Mulheres pela Primatologia (Women for Primatology) is a Brazilian social movement in support of women in science and the conservation of non-human primates. Activities occur through collaborative and interdisciplinary communication of women scientists of different ages, regions and origins. The objectives of the movement are to discuss gender equity, encourage representation in science, emphasize the importance of women’s role in primatology, and inspire other women to enter into scientific careers. The movement’s activities began in June 2021 with the creation of an Instagram profile that published information about women in science, primates, the representation of women, the history of women in primatology, interviews with distinguished primatologists, and events, among others. The activities presented here were developed between June 2021 and August 2022. As of August 2022, the profile @mulherespelaprimatologia had 2,349 followers, 126 publications and 2,044 comments, reaching 8,645 accounts, with 5,479 interactions recorded. Mulheres pela Primatologia is linked to the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots’ international network. In March 2022, the Youtube channel was created to broadcast three online events, with both young and established primatologists. The Guia Primatólogas do Brasil (Guide to Brazilian Women Primatologists) was created to democratize access to contact with women primatologists working in Brazil as advisors in graduate programs. The first edition of the guide featured 25 primatologists whose areas of expertise are behavior, ecology, conservation, physiology, ethnozoology, genetics, and environmental education. The performance and actions of Mulheres pela Primatologia have resulted in diverse products that range from scientific dissemination to support and encouragement for young primatologists, reinforcing women’s empowerment in primatology.