International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February) got observed with online events with the theme "Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19"
"The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated the critical role of women researchers in different stages of the fight against COVID-19, from advancing the knowledge on the virus, to developing techniques for testing, and finally to creating the vaccine against the virus," stated the UN website.
"On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let's change this narrative. Join us in celebrating women and girls, who are leading innovation and call for actions to remove all barriers that hold them back," urged the UN.
Some surveys have reported the recent global figures as follows
-around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education
-Low female students’ enrolment in following fields
*ICT:3 per cent
*natural science, mathematics and statistics:5 per cent
*engineering, manufacturing and construction: 8 per cent
*women researchers: 30 per cent
*women functionaries in STEM jobs:12 per cent
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been negative on women scientists as follows.
-Widening the existing gender gap and disparires in science and scientific system
-Highlighting the need to for new policies, initiatives and mechanisms to support women and girls in science
-Stressing 'Equality in Science for Society' with a special focus on the value of the social aspects and cultural dimensions in Science, Technology and Innovation to enhance sustainable development programmes
According to the UN, with Sustainable Development Goal 9, part of the Global Goals that world leaders agreed to in 2015 with a deadline of 2030, countries around the world have pledged to “build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.”
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