Since 22 December 2015 when the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/70/212, we have recognised and celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February. This international day aims to both recognize the importance of women's work in science and promote science fields for girls and women.
In today’s society there are persistent gender inequalities in science. Firstly, there are fewer women than men in science, especially in STEM-subjects. Only 33,3% of researchers are women, which is a problem in itself, because of the lack of diversity. Likewise, there are also present gender inequalities between men and women within the science fields. Women are usually being given smaller grants for research, and they have shorter careers. Women are paid less and are less likely to have higher positions or leadership roles.
Women’s representation in science fields is important for many reasons. One important reason is that we need to gather all talent and potential in order to work towards solutions that secure a more sustainable future. To achieve the 2030 agenda by the UN, we need more women in science. Diversity brings new perspectives, innovation and ideas which are important for achieving the 17 sustainable development goals. Regarding this international day, it is relevant to allude to the 5th goal of “Gender Equality”. Promoting women in science, will fight gender inequalities within the science fields, as well as give women better opportunities for participating in society.
One explanation for women’s lack of participation in science and STEM subjects can be found in gender stereotypes. Gendered stereotypes are imposed on both girls and boys from an early age and can affect their choices later in life. Stereotypes work as barriers for women to go and excel in the science fields, especially in the STEM-subjects that stereotypically are associated with masculinity and perceived as male-oriented. Furthermore, gender stereotypes can be reproduced and practiced in all of society. They can be reinforced by your family, friends, in literature or even at school. “These can be found embedded in curricula, textbooks, and teaching and learning practices. The choices imposed upon girls in school shape their careers and employment opportunities as adults.” says Sima Bahons, head of UN Women. It can be hard to break these stereotypes because they are so embedded in culture and discourses. Nonetheless, it is deeply important to break down these gender stereotypes that prevent girls and women from pursuing science.
It is important to focus on how to promote science for women in practice. We need participation and engagement from individuals, groups, institutions, educational institutions and the international society for change. It is essential that institutions and leaders promote women’s and girls’ access and participation in science field science. However, if gender gendered stereotypes and norms are thoroughly embedded in a society, progressive engagement and initiatives may not have the desired effect in practice. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge that we need to work all-encompassing and on different levels in society regarding this issue. To be more specific, UN WOMEN brings a quote from the Secretary-General: “initiatives such as new scholarships, internships, and training schemes, but also quotas, incentives and mentorship programmes, to help women overcome entrenched hurdles and build their careers.”. These are examples of concrete initiatives that can generate change and promote women and girls in science.
Sources:
In today’s society there are persistent gender inequalities in science. Firstly, there are fewer women than men in science, especially in STEM-subjects. Only 33,3% of researchers are women, which is a problem in itself, because of the lack of diversity. Likewise, there are also present gender inequalities between men and women within the science fields. Women are usually being given smaller grants for research, and they have shorter careers. Women are paid less and are less likely to have higher positions or leadership roles.
Women’s representation in science fields is important for many reasons. One important reason is that we need to gather all talent and potential in order to work towards solutions that secure a more sustainable future. To achieve the 2030 agenda by the UN, we need more women in science. Diversity brings new perspectives, innovation and ideas which are important for achieving the 17 sustainable development goals. Regarding this international day, it is relevant to allude to the 5th goal of “Gender Equality”. Promoting women in science, will fight gender inequalities within the science fields, as well as give women better opportunities for participating in society.
One explanation for women’s lack of participation in science and STEM subjects can be found in gender stereotypes. Gendered stereotypes are imposed on both girls and boys from an early age and can affect their choices later in life. Stereotypes work as barriers for women to go and excel in the science fields, especially in the STEM-subjects that stereotypically are associated with masculinity and perceived as male-oriented. Furthermore, gender stereotypes can be reproduced and practiced in all of society. They can be reinforced by your family, friends, in literature or even at school. “These can be found embedded in curricula, textbooks, and teaching and learning practices. The choices imposed upon girls in school shape their careers and employment opportunities as adults.” says Sima Bahons, head of UN Women. It can be hard to break these stereotypes because they are so embedded in culture and discourses. Nonetheless, it is deeply important to break down these gender stereotypes that prevent girls and women from pursuing science.
It is important to focus on how to promote science for women in practice. We need participation and engagement from individuals, groups, institutions, educational institutions and the international society for change. It is essential that institutions and leaders promote women’s and girls’ access and participation in science field science. However, if gender gendered stereotypes and norms are thoroughly embedded in a society, progressive engagement and initiatives may not have the desired effect in practice. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge that we need to work all-encompassing and on different levels in society regarding this issue. To be more specific, UN WOMEN brings a quote from the Secretary-General: “initiatives such as new scholarships, internships, and training schemes, but also quotas, incentives and mentorship programmes, to help women overcome entrenched hurdles and build their careers.”. These are examples of concrete initiatives that can generate change and promote women and girls in science.
Sources:
Mille Elbæk Fig
Mille is a danish volunteer involved in The International Day of Women and Girls in Science
