By Simbiat Amzat
Shades of Us participated virtually as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrated the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The event was marked by the launch of an impactful campaign, “Imagine a World with More Women in Science,” which seeks to advance gender equality in the sciences and encourage more girls and women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This milestone initiative underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity and representation in these critical fields.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, UNESCO hosted a panel discussion titled “Unlocking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science” at its headquarters in Paris. The event brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, journalists, students, and advocates to reflect on the contributions of women in science globally and encourage young girls to explore STEM careers.
Despite significant progress, women still represent only one-third of the global scientific community, with the percentage remaining stagnant over the last decade. In some countries, women make up less than 10% of researchers. This gender gap not only limits opportunities for women but also deprives the world of diverse perspectives and innovative solutions that benefit everyone.
The lack of women in science has real-world consequences. It creates missed opportunities for innovation and reinforces inequitable solutions that do not fully address the needs of all populations. Bridging this gap is essential to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
How UNESCO is Bridging the Gap
To address this disparity, UNESCO is championing key initiatives such as:
Scholarship programs to support women pursuing STEM degrees.
STEM mentorship programs that connect young girls with female scientists.
Corporate and academic policies promoting equal opportunities and pay equity.
Media representation campaigns to challenge stereotypes and highlight female role models in science.
During the session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the importance of gender equality, stating:
“On the 10th anniversary of this important day, and as we reflect on 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, let us help pave a path to STEM careers that women and girls deserve and what our world needs.”
Key Takeaways
Representation Matters: Amplifying the voices of women in science encourages more girls to follow in their footsteps.
Mentorship and Support Systems: Connecting young girls with female mentors increases their chances of pursuing STEM careers.
Policy Changes: Equal opportunities, pay equity, and workplace inclusivity are essential for lasting change.
Challenging Stereotypes: Media campaigns play a critical role in reshaping how society views women in science.
Global Cooperation: Collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil society is key to closing the gender gap.
At Shades of Us, we are dedicated to promoting gender equality, especially in science. By supporting women and girls in STEM, we can drive progress, foster innovation, and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Let us imagine a world where every girl can dream, pursue, and thrive in science.
