UNESCO launches ‘’Imagine a world with more women in science’’ campaign | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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UNESCO launches ‘’Imagine a world with more women in science’’ campaign

Posted 15 Feb 2025

2 min read

The campaign marks the 10th anniversary of  International Day of Women and Girls in Science & highlights positive impact of diverse perspectives by using hashtag #EveryVoiceInScience.

  • UNGA has in 2015 declared 11th February as International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 

Gender Gap in Science

  • Global: 
    • Low Representation: Women make up only one-third of the global scientific community
    • Leadership Gap: Just 1 in 10 STEM leadership roles are held by women.
  • India:
    • Women constitute 43% enrolment in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine)
    • The number of women scientists is 18.6%, R&D projects run by Women are ~25%.

Challenges 

  • Social & Cultural Norms (restrictive gender roles), Lack of role models (few visible female leaders in science limits aspirations), workplace inequality (biased work cultures) etc.

Steps to be Taken

Parameters

Recommended actions

Dismantle Gender Stereotypes and biases in Science

Enhance visibility of women role models by:

  • Including more discoveries and stories from female scientists, with images in  school  textbooks
  • Ensure an equitable representation of women on relevant boards, committees  and  panel

Opening Educational Pathways for Girls in Science

Use of innovative and inspiring educational strategies and initiatives:-

  • Remove gender bias and stereotypes from teaching and learning materials
  • Encourage   businesses   to   implement   corporate   social   responsibility initiatives supporting  women  and  girls  in  science

Creating Workplace Environments that Attracts, Retain and Advance Women Scientists

Adopt policies to promote inclusion,diversity and equity at workplace:-

  • Take  action  against  gender-based  violence,  including  sexism  and  sexual harassment
  • Promote women in leadership positions
  • Tags :
  • Women in STEMM
  • Gender Gap in Science
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