The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines has been a longstanding issue worldwide, despite advancements in gender equality across various sectors. Women have made significant strides in higher education, yet they continue to encounter barriers that impede their full participation and recognition in STEM fields. This persistent gender gap not only deprives women of opportunities for personal and professional advancement but also hampers innovation and societal progress. In response to this ongoing challenge, the international community has increasingly recognized the need to address gender disparities in STEM and promote greater inclusivity and equality. One notable initiative in this endeavor is the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, established by the United Nations to highlight the achievements of women in STEM, raise awareness about gender bias, and advocate for the empowerment of women and girls in scientific pursuits. The International Day for Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on February 11th.

Observing the day, the 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly took place on 8 and 9 February 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The 9th IDWGIS Assembly’s central theme was “Women and Girls in Science Leadership – a New Era for Sustainability,” acknowledging the role of women and girls in science as change agents and the significance of mainstreaming a gender perspective in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. The goal of the 9th Assembly was to discuss women’s leadership in achieving the three pillars of Sustainable Development, economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity by bringing together female scientists, leaders, and experts from around the world, as well as high-ranking government officials, representatives of international organizations, and business executives.

It is misleading to say that intrinsic weaknesses in STEM subjects account for women’s underrepresentation in these disciplines. Rather, an abundance of evidence indicates that both explicit and implicit biases prevent women from pursuing STEM fields of study or have an impact on their decision to leave the field after they have started. These include a range of interpersonal and structural dynamics that hinder women’s advancement, as well as explicit and subconscious biases. The factors that matter across the career cycle are, bias in recruitment and obstacles to accommodating family needs when obtaining a position, unequal allocation of resources, mentoring access for Internal Opportunities and Rewards, higher teaching loads and higher expectations of service without compensation when it comes to Work Expectations, 

inequities in access to external funds for External Opportunities and Rewards and harassment and assault that arise when overcoming the barriers.

The representation of women in science is crucial for fostering innovation, diversity, and equity in the scientific community and beyond. Women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and talents to scientific endeavors, enriching research outcomes and driving progress in various fields. Furthermore, diverse teams are more effective at solving complex problems and generating creative solutions, making gender-inclusive scientific environments essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing our world today. Additionally, increasing women’s representation in science not only promotes social justice but also serves as a catalyst for inspiring future generations of girls to pursue careers in STEM. By breaking down barriers and creating inclusive spaces where women can thrive, we can harness the full potential of scientific talent and achieve greater advancements for the betterment of society as a whole.

Written by: Rtr. Gayanjalee deSilva

Graphic design by: Rtr. Nuwani Gamage