Capitalising on Non-radioactive Rare Earth Elements in Malaysia
March 9, 2023
Fostering a Sustainable STI Ecosystem: Finding Solutions for Greater Good
March 9, 2023
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on 11 February every year to recognise the important role that women and girls play in science and technology. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 with the aim of promoting equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.
The idea for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science was first proposed by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) in 2012 and was supported by several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica. The first celebration of the day was in 2016, and it has since been marked by various activities and events globally.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science seeks to raise awareness about the gender gap in science and technology and promote policies and initiatives that support greater gender equality in these fields. It also aims to inspire and encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM by showcasing the achievements of female scientists and highlighting the importance of diversity in scientific research.
Overall, the day plays a crucial role in advancing gender equality in science and technology and creating a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.
Did You Know?
- Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues and, while they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women
- In cutting edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman.
- Despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics.
- Female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers. Their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals, and they are often passed over for promotion.
