A lot of research potential is being wasted worldwide because there are still too few highly qualified women working in research.
Although more girls than ever are attending school worldwide, women are still strongly underrepresented in the future-oriented STEM subjects – mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology. To counteract these developments, it is necessary to combat traditional stereotypes and prejudices, invest in teacher training and promote awareness-raising.
We are at the beginning of the fourth industrial revolution, and yet women have less than two-thirds of the economic power of men. Recent studies suggest that 65% of primary school children will be in a job that does not even exist today. The jobs of the future will be driven by technology and innovation. If the gender gap in STEM subjects is not drastically minimised soon, the global gender gap threatens to widen.
In order to meet the challenges of our time and to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, it is necessary that girls and women have an equal place in science, research and innovation and thus participate in actively shaping our future.
The United Nations has declared 11 February as ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ to bring this need into public focus:
“We are determined to encourage a new generation of women and girl scientists, to tackle to major challenges of our time. Heeding the call of Greta Thunberg, young women scientists are already making a difference in the fight against climate change, including South-African teenager Kiara Nirghin whose inventions minimize the impact of droughts.
joint message from Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director, on the occasion of the 2020 International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
By harnessing the creativity and innovation of all women and girls in science, and properly investing in inclusive STEM education, research and development and STI ecosystems, we have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to benefit society.”
A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.
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