#IDWGS Essay - Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability by Raman Verma

                    Women and girls in science leadership, a new era for sustainability 

"Courage is like — it’s a habitus, a habit, a virtue: you get it by courageous acts. It’s like you learn to swim by swimming. You learn courage by couraging"- by  Marie Daly

Introduction:

Science and gender equality are both important for global progress and for the achievement of the sustainable development goals. The theme Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability is to encourage women in society, recognize and support the potential of women and girls in science, inspiring them to pursue careers and leadership roles in scientific field and focus on increasing the number of women researchers working on improving health to combating climate change. The theme reflects a call to action, urging communities, governments, and organizations to provide equal opportunities for women and girls in science, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. As in the 21st century we have witnessed a growing recognition to the women in each sector of the field. Achieving sustainability requires transformative action across various sectors, with science and technology playing a central role. 

Background / History:

International Day of Women and Girls in Science, established by the United Nations (UN), on 14 March 2011, the commission on the status of women adopted a report at its fifty-fifth session, with agreed conclusions on access and participation of women and girls in education, training and science and technology, and for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work. On 20 December 2013, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on science, technology and innovation for development, in which it recognized that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In the Ancient Era we have witnessed astounding ideas emerged from the brilliant minds of women and girls in science. Women and science go hand in hand when we count the significant milestones in history. Nevertheless, there are not as many women who have have shown how they can blossom and shine when given the right environment.

Significance and Objectives:

• Promoting Gender Equality

•  Highlighting Achievements

• Inspiring Future Generations

•  Advocating for Inclusion

- What is UN doing to encourage women participation:

• The STEM and Gender Advancement (SAGA) project, UNESCO aims to contribute to improving the situation of women and reducing the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

• The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) encourages more women to become meteorologists, hydrologists, climate scientists and oceanographers and nurtures leadership talent through dedicated training workshops and conferences.

• In celebration of the 2018 International day of Women and Girls in Science, WMO has published an interview with four remarkable pioneers who broke through both the glass and the ice ceiling, and are the first female heads of their respective institutes.

 Progress and Initiatives:

• According to an analysis of data by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics for 107 countries, in 2018, women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues and, while they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women.

• Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics.

• UNESCO estimates suggest that only around 35% of all students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related fields are female. Closing the gender gap in science is also crucial for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and meeting the promise of the 2030 Agenda to “leave no one behind”.

• According to a study conducted in 14 countries, the probability for female students of graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctor’s degree in science-related field are 18%, 8% and 2% respectively, while the percentages of male students are 37%, 18% and 6%. 

Achievement:

• Shakuntala Devi is a child prodigy who can solve any math problem, no matter how complex, using only her mind. S

• Janaki Ammal sugar might not be as sweet as it is today. She was a cytogeneticist and botanist by profession who broke the stereotypical rules imposed by society and did her best to research thousands of plant species. She was the one who found the reason for sweetening sugar. This innovation is credited to her and she was awarded the Padma Shree in 1977.

• Anna Mani was born in 1918. At that time, women were not allowed to study science or break the so-called social rules. She defied all these rules and started her research in the field of meteorology. 

• Kalpana Chawla  was the first female aeronautical engineer of Indian descent from the Indian state of Haryana. She was the engineer selected by NASA to fly to the International Space Station. 

Challenges:

Despite the challenges, there have been notable advancements in promoting women and girls in science leadership roles. 

• Gender bias and discrimination.

•  Gender Stereotypes

• Male-Dominated Cultures

•  Fewer Role Models

•  The Confidence Gap

• Women are Underrepresented in STEM Workforce

• Unequal access to resources and opportunities.

Suggestions:

Pathways to emerging potential of women and girls in science leadership for sustainability, concerted efforts are needed at the individual, institutional, and societal levels. This includes:

• Eliminating gender bias and discrimination in education, hiring practices, and professional advancement.

• Providing equitable access to resources, funding, and opportunities for women and girls in STEM fields.

• Promoting STEM education and outreach programs that target girls from a young age, challenging stereotypes and fostering their interest and confidence in science.

‌Conclusion:

Shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of scientists. International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a reminder of the importance for  the scientific community. It recognizes and encourages that women and girls, who have made significant contributions to STEM fields throughout history and deserve equal opportunities and recognition. It gives an opportunity in commitment to gender equality in science and to encourage young minds to explore the endless possibilities. Achieving this and attaining the 17 goals of the Agenda for Sustainable Development by 2030 will only be possible with as diverse a scientific workforce as possible. The full scientific potential of women and girls, who represent half the world's population, cannot remain untapped if these endeavours are to succeed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raman Verma, an aspiring luminary in the field of jurisprudence, is fervently dedicated to his legal studies, with the singular aim of ascending to the esteemed role of advocate. With a scholarly zeal tempered by practical experience gained through moot court competitions, internships, and pro bono work, Raman embodies a commitment to justice and equity. His aspiration transcends mere career ambition, instead representing a solemn pledge to uphold the rule of law and champion the rights of the marginalized. Through his unwavering dedication to legal excellence and his compassionate advocacy, Raman Verma stands poised to make a profound and lasting impact within the legal profession and society at large.