Blog by Evelyne Para, SI United Nations Representative at UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).
“Since 2015, every 11 February we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Throughout the world, pioneering women scientists have marked, and continue to mark our history. But there are still too few who have their talents developed and recognised. The under-representation of women and girls in science, innovation and cutting-edge technology, especially in leadership positions, does not, and will not, allow us to find the inclusive, effective, and sustainable solutions that we need today to build a better society for all.
The 2021 UNESCO Science Report reminds us that women are still a minority in science. Here are a few of the report’s observations that are worth recalling:
>>> Women represent only 33% of researchers, 22% of professionals in the field of Artificial Intelligence, and 12% of seats in national academies of sciences.
>>> Despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the digital 4.0 revolution, women represent only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of computer science graduates.
>>> The careers of women researchers tend to be shorter and less paid. Their work is underrepresented in top journals and they are often overlooked for promotions.
We must continue to stand up!
Breaking gender stereotypes, tackling gender inequalities in access to scientific studies and careers, recognising and strengthening the full and equal participation of women and their valuable contributions in research and innovation, promoting their leadership within scientific communities, are more than ever essential to meet the challenges we face today: health challenges, climate change, but also the open and secure sharing of information in order to raise public awareness to scientific culture and contribute to informed decision-making.
During his speech on the occasion of the 2022 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, recalled that “we can, and we must act”.
In more than 120 countries, Soroptimist International encourages and accompanies young girls to train in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), by granting them scholarships, by creating environments in which women can realise their true potential, by making contact between young women and role models or integrating them into mentoring networks.
Major companies are also mobilising in support of UNESCO to encourage and reward women scientists. For example, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program promotes the talents of young women at the start of their scientific careers, and the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Prize is awarded each year to five distinguished women scientists – one from each of the following regions: Africa and Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America – in recognition of their scientific achievements.
We are all aware of the vital role that science, technology and innovation play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including providing solutions to improve people’s well-being, advance environmental sustainability and respect for biological diversity. So, let’s push our girls to move forward, to dare, and let’s facilitate the essential engagement of women in the scientific and technological community by strengthening their full and equitable participation.”
Pictures courtesy of UNESCO
Recommended Resources:
International Day of Women and Girls in Science, official website.
UNESCO news: Women career scientists still face gender bias.