Theme: Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth

Skills in science, technology, engineering and math drive innovation and are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Women and girls are vital in all these areas. Yet they remain woefully under-represented. Gender stereotypes, a lack of visible role models and unsupportive or even hostile policies and environments can keep them from pursuing these careers.

Over the past 15 years, the global community has made a lot of effort to inspire and engage women and girls in science. However, a significant gender gap persists at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, and women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully in science.

At present, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women. According to UNESCO data (2014 - 2016), only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. Globally, female students’ enrolment is particularly low in ICT (3 per cent), natural science, mathematics and statistics (5 per cent) and in engineering, manufacturing and construction (8 per cent).

Now in its fourth year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science recognizes the critical role women and girls play in science and technology communities.