UNESCO and UN Women come together to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science every year on 11th February. This day is celebrated every year to recognize the important role which Women and Girls play in Science and Technology.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE?
United Nations in its General Assembly held on 22nd December 2015 passed a resolution to hold 11th February every year as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This was done to acknowledge the contribution of Women and Girls in the field of Science.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE?
Over the years women and girls have been ostracized from participating in Science. Now the Global Community is making efforts to inspire women and girls to provide a contribution to Science.
As per UNESCO, less than 30 percent of researchers all across the Globe are Women. Women are also not forthcoming in enrolling in STEM-related education courses and their contribution is just limited to be only around 30 percent. In contrast, 70 percent of health care workers are women and they get paid less than their male counterparts.
Gender Inequality exists and removing this is a part of internationally agreed development goals i.e. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
WHAT DOES UNESCO DO FOR WOMEN & GIRLS IN SCIENCE?
UNESCO is focusing on bringing gender equality in all fields of Science by making Women Scientists a source of inspiration for young girls around the world eager to enter scientific fields. More Nobel Prizes are given to Women in the field of Science. Here is a brief snapshot of what UNESCO has been doing for Women and Girls in Science:
- STEM and Gender Advancement Project: Popularly known as SAGA, its main motive is to offer governments and policymakers various tools to help reduce the gender gap in STI fields prevailing in all magnitude of education and research.
- Pull together Women Scientists from the Developing World: UNESCO has created Organization for Women in the Science for the Developing World (OWSD). It is an International Forum to bring together eminent scientists from the developing world made to promote their representation in scientific and technological leadership
- Encouraging Girls’ and Women’s education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): In STEM fields of education, only 3% of females choose higher education courses. Educational contents and Teacher training are part of this initiative.
- L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program: L’Oreal Corporate Foundation and UNESCO have joined hands to recognize Women Researchers and help them in their commitment to Science.
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