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The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated annually on February 11, is a United Nations-designated observance aimed at promoting gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Despite significant progress in recent decades, women and girls remain underrepresented in scientific disciplines, facing systemic barriers that limit their participation and advancement. This day serves as a global call to action to bridge the gender gap in STEM, ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities to contribute to scientific innovation and development.
The Gender Gap in Science
Women represent nearly 50% of the global population, yet they remain underrepresented in STEM careers. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), women make up only 33% of the world’s scientific researchers. In certain fields, the disparity is even more pronounced:
• Only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of computer science graduates are women (UNESCO, Report of the UNESCO International Symposium and Policy Forum, 2017).
• In artificial intelligence (AI) research, women account for just 22% of professionals (UNWOMEN).
• Less than 30% of the world’s researchers in STEM are female (UNESCO, 2017).
These statistics highlight the persistent barriers that prevent women and girls from pursuing and excelling in scientific fields.
Barriers to Women’s Participation in STEM
1. Stereotypes and Gender Bias
From an early age, societal stereotypes portray STEM fields as male-dominated, discouraging girls from engaging in mathematics and science. Studies show that by the age of six, girls are already less likely than boys to view themselves as “really, really smart” (Bian et al., 2017). This self-perception influences their career choices later in life.
2. Lack of Role Models
Representation matters. The underrepresentation of women in STEM means that young girls have fewer role models to inspire them. While pioneers such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Katherine Johnson paved the way, contemporary female scientists still face challenges in gaining recognition and leadership positions.
3. Workplace Discrimination and the Glass Ceiling
Women in STEM frequently encounter gender biases in hiring, promotion, and funding opportunities. A study by the European Commission (SHE figures, 2021)found that female researchers receive less research funding and are underrepresented in senior positions. The “leaky pipeline” phenomenon describes how women drop out of STEM careers due to workplace discrimination, lack of mentorship, and work-life balance struggles.
4. The Gender Pay Gap
Women in STEM earn 18-20% less than their male counterparts for the same work, further discouraging long-term career commitment(UNESCO).
The Importance of Gender Equality in Science
Gender diversity in STEM is not just about fairness—it is also crucial for scientific innovation and economic growth. Studies indicate that diverse teams produce better research outcomes and foster creativity (Hunt et al., 2018). Moreover, addressing the gender gap in STEM could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025.
Women’s contributions to science have historically led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as:
• Marie Curie’s pioneering research on radioactivity (Nobel Prize, 1903 & 1911).
• Rosalind Franklin’s critical role in discovering DNA’s double-helix structure.
• Tu Youyou’s discovery of artemisinin, a life-saving malaria treatment (Nobel Prize, 2015).
Ensuring equal participation for women in STEM benefits scientific progress, public health, and technological advancement.
Global Efforts to Promote Women in STEM
Recognizing these disparities, the United Nations (UN), UNESCO, and other global organizations have launched initiatives to support women in STEM:
1. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 5: Gender Equality aims to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunities in education and employment (UN, 2023).
SDG 4: Quality Education emphasizes equal access to STEM education for all.
2. UNESCO’s “STEM and Gender Advancement” (SAGA) Project
This initiative provides data-driven policy recommendations to reduce gender inequalities in STEM fields (SAGA Project).
3. Women in Science Awards and Fellowships
Programs such as the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards recognize outstanding female scientists, providing funding and mentorship opportunities.
4. Education and Outreach Programs
Organizations like Girls Who Code, Women in Engineering, and She Figures work to inspire and support young women pursuing STEM careers.
How to Support Women and Girls in Science
1. Encourage STEM Education from an Early Age
Schools should actively challenge gender stereotypes and provide hands-on STEM learning experiences for girls.
2. Increase Female Representation in Leadership Roles
Governments and institutions must implement policies that ensure equal opportunities for promotions, research grants, and leadership positions.
3. Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
Female scientists benefit from mentorship programs that connect them with successful professionals in their fields.
4. Address Gender Bias in Hiring and Pay
Transparency in hiring practices and pay structures can help eliminate discrimination in STEM workplaces.
5. Support Policy Changes
Governments and academic institutions must adopt policies that support work-life balance, parental leave, and safe workplaces for women in STEM.
Conclusion
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves as a reminder of the urgent need to close the gender gap in STEM. Despite historical and ongoing challenges, progress is being made through education, policy changes, and advocacy. By promoting gender equality in science, we not only empower women and girls but also enhance global innovation, economic growth, and societal well-being.
Breaking barriers in STEM requires collective action from educators, policymakers, employers, and society at large. By supporting women and girls in science, we build a future where talent—not gender—determines success.
Source:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day/
By: Touska Gholami