KATHMANDU: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is being observed today across the world to highlight the need for equal access to and participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The United Nations adopted a resolution on December 22, 2015, designating February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The day has been observed annually since 2016.
Gender inequality has long persisted at all levels of STEM fields worldwide. Although women have made notable progress in higher education, their representation in science and technology-related disciplines remains disproportionately low.
Gender equality is a core agenda of the United Nations, which has consistently emphasized that empowering women and girls and ensuring gender equality are crucial not only for global economic development but also for achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
At its fifty-fifth session held on March 14, 2011, the United Nations Commission on Women adopted agreed conclusions aimed at expanding women’s and girls’ access to and participation in education, training, science, and technology, while also promoting equal access to full employment and decent work.
Similarly, on December 20, 2013, the UN General Assembly, while adopting a resolution on science, technology, and innovation, stressed that full and equal access to and participation in these fields for women and girls of all ages are essential for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The UN has emphasized the importance of creating an environment in which every girl can envision a future in STEM and every woman has the opportunity to continuously advance in her scientific career.
Marking the occasion, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement, reiterated the need to ensure the full and equal participation of women and girls in science and technology.
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