K
Kathleen Martin
Guest
“Today, only one in three science and engineering researchers in the world is a woman”, stated Secretary-General António Guterres, explaining that “structural and societal barriers” are preventing women and girls from “entering and advancing in science”.
A world denied
A significant gender gap has persisted at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines around the world.
Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.
And from school closures to a rise in violence and greater homecare burdens, the COVID-19 pandemic has simply increased gender inequalities.
“This inequality is depriving our world of enormous untapped talent and innovation”, he continued, underscoring the need for women’s perspectives “to make sure that science and technology work for everyone”.
Action needed
Science and gender equality are both vital to reach the sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
And yet, despite past decades of efforts to inspire and engage women and girls in science, women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully.
“We can – and must – take action”, said the UN chief.
He called for policies that “fill classrooms” with girls studying technology, physics, engineering, and maths; and targeted measures to ensure that women are afforded opportunities to “grow and lead at laboratories, research institutions and universities”.
Mr. Guterres also stressed that determination was needed to end discrimination and stereotypes about women in science along with more rigorous efforts to expand prospects for minority women.
Continue reading: https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111732
A world denied
A significant gender gap has persisted at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines around the world.
Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.
And from school closures to a rise in violence and greater homecare burdens, the COVID-19 pandemic has simply increased gender inequalities.
“This inequality is depriving our world of enormous untapped talent and innovation”, he continued, underscoring the need for women’s perspectives “to make sure that science and technology work for everyone”.
Action needed
Science and gender equality are both vital to reach the sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
And yet, despite past decades of efforts to inspire and engage women and girls in science, women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully.
“We can – and must – take action”, said the UN chief.
He called for policies that “fill classrooms” with girls studying technology, physics, engineering, and maths; and targeted measures to ensure that women are afforded opportunities to “grow and lead at laboratories, research institutions and universities”.
Mr. Guterres also stressed that determination was needed to end discrimination and stereotypes about women in science along with more rigorous efforts to expand prospects for minority women.
Continue reading: https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111732
