“Despite progress, Women still represent only one third of the global scientific community And they face significant barriers in the roles of financing, publication and leadership in Stem, “said Secretary General António Guterres in his message for the day.
As the world marks the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, the need to eliminate these barriers is more urgent than ever.
This year’s theme, I unpacked Stem races: your voice in scienceIt highlights the importance of empowerment and ensure that women have the same access to opportunities.
The importance of education
Education is key to achieving gender equality in Stem, However, 122 million girls worldwide are currently outside schoolaccording to the UN educational, scientific and cultural organization (UNESCO).
Even for those who receive formal education, gender stereotypes and social expectations discourage many to pursue scientific careers.
In the celebration of the tenth anniversary, president of the General Assembly, Philémon Yang, emphasized the need for action: “As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies remodel the economy, women and girls should have the skills to take advantage of these opportunities.”
He pointed out that progress has stagnated in the last decade, with only 15 percent of the graduated young people who choose Stem disciplines, compared to 35 percent of their male companions.
Overcome barriers
The lack of female participation, particularly in artificial intelligence, results in biased technologies and reinforces inequality, Mr. Guterres explained.
In addition, more diversity in Stem would not only create more fair systems but also boost economic growth.
The World Economic Forum estimates that duplicating the number of women in the technological workforce by 2027 It could add 600 billion euros to the global economy.
To address these challenges, UNESCO and UN women require gender -sensitive teacher training, tutoring programs and a greater investment in STEM education for girls.
A little step for women
A key culminating point of this year’s event was a discussion panel led by astronauts at the UN Headquarters in New York, with 16 female astronauts, Almost 20 percent of all astronauts worldwide.
Among them was Amanda Nguyen, Astronaut and founder of Rise, an organization that advocated sexual assault survivors.
“The dreams of surviving women still matter, even the scandalous, how to fly to space,” he told the assembly.
With More than 50 percent of women and women’s staff have experienced sexual harassment, According to the National Health Institutes, their words had weight throughout the Assembly.
Meanwhile, speaking about his experience in space, former astronaut Dr. Cady Coleman explained that “the only people who will help you are people by your side,” emphasizing that the international community needs to act in unison.
Building the future
This year’s event is a reminder that addressing global challenges, from climate change to public health, requires the full participation of women and girls in science.
As the Beijing statement and the action platform turn 30, global leaders are urged to go beyond symbolic commitments and take concrete measures to close the gender gap in Stem.
“We know the solutions” Said Mr. Yang, asking for specific policies and sustained investment in Stem education. “We will not only mark these milestones, but we honor with action.” Concluded.
The recently adopted pact for the future emphasizes science as a driver of gender equality, with the aim of eliminating systemic barriers and opening more opportunities for women in Stem.