Embracing more women scientists for sustainable aquatic food systems

The world has less than seven years to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges and achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to achieve the SDGs, more women have to have a seat at the research table. 

While women have achieved parity at the bachelor’s and master’s levels of study and are on the verge of reaching parity at the doctoral level, the gender gap widens as they advance in their professions. 

According to the 2021 UNESCO Science Report, only 33 percent of researchers around the world are women, with Southeast Europe and Southeast Asia reporting the highest and lowest proportion of female researchers at 51 percent and 26 percent, respectively. 

Women and girls are making significant contributions to many fields across the world, including science and technology. However, the achievements of women and girls in science are seldom recognized or rewarded. Their participation in a variety of scientific fields also still lacks behind their male counterparts. While there is a high percentage of women in health and life sciences, women remain a minority in engineering and computer science.  

Full and equal participation in science for women and girls can play a vital role in ensuring a diverse range of research, expanding the pool of outstanding researchers and embracing fresh perspectives. 

Recognizing the role of women scientists 

Recognizing the full potential of women scientists, WorldFish in Bangladesh engaged a number of women scientists who are conducting research and mobilizing the fishing community and relevant stakeholders to conserve biodiversity through the Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh Phase II (ECOFISH II) project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  

Since 2016, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science has been observed globally on February 11 to promote gender equality for women and girls to pursue science and celebrate their scientific achievements. This year’s theme is ‘Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain. (I.D.E.A.S.): Bringing Communities Forward for Sustainable and Equitable Development’, emphasizing the importance of encouraging inclusive and sustainable development. 

"We have a number of brilliant women scientists who are passionate about their research and mobilizing the relevant stakeholders," Md. Jalilur Rahman, a WorldFish scientist in Bangladesh working on the ECOFISH II project. 

"The world needs more women in science to address the obvious gender disparity," he added.