In a statement released on the occasion of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, UN Women emphasizes the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation in shaping people’s lives worldwide. While acknowledging the positive changes these advancements have brought, the organization highlights the need for gender equality, safety, representation, and decent employment opportunities for women and girls in this rapidly evolving landscape.
UN Women cites the inspiring story of Natacha Sangwa, a young high school graduate from Rwanda, who participated in a coding camp supported by the organization. Through her engagement with robotics and next-generation technologies, Natacha developed a prototype to address climate change challenges in her community. She expressed her commitment to increasing the representation of women and girls in technology, exemplifying the potential of science to empower women.
Looking ahead, the statement underscores the growing significance of the African continent, where a majority of the world’s new workers are expected to emerge in the next three decades. UN Women emphasizes the importance of investing in young women across the globe, equipping them with the necessary skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to seize future job opportunities. It also stresses the need to dismantle negative stereotypes and discriminatory practices that hinder women’s progress in these fields, fostering inclusive and supportive work environments.
The representation and retention of women in the science and digital technology sectors are identified as crucial for driving creativity, innovation, and profitability while addressing issues that matter to women. Currently, women remain significantly underrepresented, accounting for only 29.2% of all STEM workers, compared to 49.3% in non-STEM occupations. The statement highlights the pervasive nature of hostile work environments, with a 2022 study revealing that half of women scientists in 117 countries reported experiencing sexual harassment, negatively impacting their careers.
To address these challenges, UN Women emphasizes the importance of partnerships and engagement with the private sector, which accounts for approximately 70% of global expenditure on science. The organization highlights the Women’s Empowerment Principles as a framework for collaboration among private sector companies, governments, and academia to promote gender equality in leadership positions, including science and broader STEM fields. Over 9,200 CEOs worldwide have committed to implementing policies and practices that foster inclusive corporate cultures, and eliminate stereotypes, and discriminatory practices.
As the world prepares for the UN’s Summit of the Future in September, which includes the establishment of a new Global Digital Compact, UN Women calls for swift and effective action to counteract bias and discrimination. The organization emphasizes the importance of nurturing the talents and aspirations of young scientists like Natacha and her peers, ensuring they have the support and opportunities needed to shape a future where science fully realizes its promise for gender equality.
