Beginning this year, 11 February will be recognised as a global celebration of equal participation and the accomplishments of female researchers across all aspects of science education, training, employment and decision-making processes.
Gender inequality hinders the capacity to unlock the full contribution that women in science can make to the world. The past 15 years have seen increased efforts to inspire and engage women and girls in science. However, in some parts of the world, the percentage of female students achieving a degree in science-related fields continues to be much lower compared to that of male students.
As a welcome recognition of the vital role played by female scientists, International Day of Women and Girls in Science launches this year following a resolution adopted in December 2015 by the UN Member States. As stated in the General Assembly document, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In a joint effort between several organisations, including the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the newly proclaimed day will support and promote the access of women and girls to – and their participation in – STEM education, training and research activities at all levels.
To commemorate the inauguration of this event, the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) will host a high-level forum on Thursday 11 February at the UN Headquarters in New York.
You can also join the Twitter chat hosted by SciDev.net on the theme of ‘Women in STEM: Is it time to get radical?’ taking place on Thursday, from 1-3 pm GMT, using the hashtag #SciWomen.
Coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is the official launch of Stemettes’ flagship application OtotheB. The new app, which marks the social enterprise’s third birthday, is the first of its kind to focus on inspiring girls into STEM and entrepreneurship. “OtotheB is an exciting new venture for Stemettes. It has been developed with everything we have learned from the 8000 girls we’ve worked with over the last three years in mind. I’m excited to bring the girls who use OtotheB on their own personal Stemette journeys as they build their own STEM careers,” said Anne Marie Imafidon, Stemettes Co-Founder.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WOMEN IN SCIENCE
International Innovation has dedicated one of its latest issues to showcasing the research conducted by women across the STEM fields.
Click here to read a series of interviews and features on research, policy and practice-based activities. Indeed, Elizabeth Travis’ research team at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center places gender equity at the core of its activities. You can also find an interview with Stemettes’ Communications Lead Jo Cruse on the role played by men in gender-balanced workplaces.
In addition to this, we will be running a Women in Science campaign, on the week beginning 7 March, to coincide with International Women’s Day.
The post First International Day of Women and Girls in Science appeared first on International Innovation.