Reaching for the Stars: UN Marks 10 Years of Women and Girls in Science

SCI-TECH

Reaching for the Stars: UN Marks 10 Years of Women and Girls in Science

12 FEB 2025

UN Calls for Action on the 10th Anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are critical drivers of economic growth and technological advancement. However, gender inequality in these fields remains a pressing challenge. Despite significant progress over the years, women still make up only one-third of the global scientific community and continue to face substantial barriers in funding, publishing, and leadership roles.

“Despite the progress, women still make up only one-third of the global scientific community and face significant barriers in funding, publishing, and leadership roles in STEM,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

As the world marks the 10th anniversary of this crucial observance on February 11, 2024, the need to dismantle these barriers is more urgent than ever. This year’s theme, Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science, underscores the importance of empowering women and ensuring they have equal access to opportunities in these fields.

The Importance of Education in Achieving Gender Equality in STEM

Education remains a key factor in bridging the gender gap in STEM. However, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 122 million girls worldwide are currently out of school. Even for those who do receive formal education, persistent gender stereotypes and societal expectations discourage many from pursuing careers in science and technology.

During the 10th-anniversary celebration, President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Philémon Yang, stressed the urgency of taking concrete action: “As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape the economy, women and girls must have the skills to seize these opportunities.”

Despite growing awareness, the statistics remain concerning. Over the past decade, progress has largely stalled, with only 15 percent of young female graduates choosing STEM disciplines, compared to 35 percent of their male counterparts. This disparity highlights the need for targeted policies and sustained investment in STEM education for girls.

Overcoming Barriers: Gender Diversity in STEM

The lack of female representation, particularly in artificial intelligence, has far-reaching consequences. When women are underrepresented in AI development, technologies become biased, perpetuating systemic inequalities. Mr. Guterres emphasized that increasing diversity in STEM is not just about fairness—it is also essential for innovation and economic prosperity.

The World Economic Forum estimates that doubling the number of women in the technology workforce by 2027 could add a staggering 600 billion euros to the global economy. Recognizing this potential, UNESCO and UN Women are calling for gender-sensitive teacher training, mentorship programs, and increased investment in STEM education for girls to help close this gap.

One Small Step for Womankind: Female Astronauts at the UN

A major highlight of this year’s event was a groundbreaking astronaut-led panel discussion at the UN Headquarters in New York, featuring 16 female astronauts—representing nearly 20 percent of all women astronauts worldwide.

Among them was Amanda Nguyen, astronaut and founder of Rise, an organization advocating for sexual assault survivors. She delivered an inspiring address to the General Assembly, stating, “Women survivors’ dreams still matter, even the outrageous ones, like flying to space.”

Her words resonated deeply, particularly in light of a study by the National Institutes of Health revealing that over 50 percent of women faculty and staff in STEM have experienced sexual harassment. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial to ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for women in science.

Former astronaut Dr. Cady Coleman also shared her experiences in space, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “The only people who are going to help you are the people next to you,” she said, emphasizing that addressing gender inequality in STEM requires global cooperation and action.

Building the Future: The Road to Gender Equality in STEM

The discussions at this year’s event serve as a powerful reminder that solving global challenges—from climate change to public health—requires the full participation of women and girls in science.

As the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, global leaders are being urged to move beyond symbolic commitments and take concrete action to close the gender gap in STEM.

“We know the solutions,” said Mr. Yang, calling for policies and sustained investment in STEM education. “Let us not just mark these milestones—let us honor them with action.”

The recently adopted Pact for the Future emphasizes science as a driver of gender equality, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers and create more opportunities for women in STEM. As the world moves forward, the UN’s message is clear: gender equality in science is not just an aspiration—it is a necessity for a better, more equitable future for all.