Statement for UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Date: Mon 10th Feb, 2020 | 18:39
“The United Nations designated International Day of Women and Girls in Science provides an opportunity to highlight the continued need for action to ensure the voices of women and girls are heard in the world of science.
Since 2015, when world leaders agreed the Sustainable Development Goals which emphasised the importance of education, gender equality and inclusive infrastructure, the world has made significant progress in encouraging and engaging women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Yet, a considerable gender gaps still exists: Less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women and less than a third of all female students globally select STEM related fields in higher education.
On this UN day, let us remind ourselves of the need to harness the creativity and innovation of all women and girls, by investing in inclusive STEM education and research and structuring career paths in science and technology that do not exclude women and girls at any stage of their career.
And today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us celebrate the benefits of greater gender diversity, not just in research and education, but in all aspects of society.”