#IDWGS Essay: Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability by Muskan

Abstract

Despite gains overall, women are still under-represented in leadership positions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Data in the US suggest around onequarter of deans and department heads are women; in science this drops to nearly 1 in 20. Part of this problem of under-representation stems from the population pool: only 33% of science and engineering doctorate holders employed in academia are women. Other issues include wellknown problems of women’s participation in STEM fields: lack of role models, unconscious biases, discrimination, and unwelcoming climates. This paper examines the primary barriers to women’s participation in (1) STEM areas and (2) leadership arenas. Examination of the two suggests that women in STEM fields are particularly susceptible to the barriers and biases facing women who wish to move into leadership positions. The similarity in the barriers in these two areas could lead to an effective double jeopardy for women entering STEM leadership. A distinct lack of research in the area of women’s leadership in STEM fields suggests that this is a major problem that is not currently understood and not being addressed.

INTRODUCTION

Tackling some of the greatest challenges of the Agenda for Sustainable Development - from improving health to combating climate change - will rely on harnessing all talent. That means getting more women working in these fields. Diversity in research expands the pool of talented researchers, bringing in fresh perspectives, talent and creativity. This Day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened.

Although Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields are widely regarded as critical to national economies, so far most countries, no matter their level of development, have not achieved gender equality in STEM.

Get Involved

The 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly will take place on 8-9 February 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York City. Join women in science leaders and experts from around the world, high-level government officials, representatives of international organizations and the private sector, to discuss women leadership in achieving the three pillars of Sustainable Development, namely economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity.

Background

A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.

Gender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution not only to economic development of the world, but to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well.

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.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed annually on February 11, stands as a testament to the global commitment towards promoting gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 70/212 on December 22, 2015, this day aims to highlight the importance of women's full and equal participation in scientific endeavours. Let's explore the background, challenges, and the commendable efforts made in commemorating this significant day.

Challenges Faced by Women

Historically, women have been underrepresented in science and technology, facing persistent challenges in pursuing STEM fields. While the 1960s to the 1980s saw a gradual increase in women obtaining science and engineering degrees, progress plateaued from the 1980s onwards.

Social barriers, such as societal expectations for women in the home, early marriage, and discriminatory practices in the labour market, have hindered women's pursuit of education and careers in STEM, particularly in developing regions like Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean.

Modern Challenges and Regional Disparities

In the present day, social barriers to female participation persist, manifesting as pervasive gender biases. Studies in the United Kingdom reveal that girls are less likely to be encouraged to study physics post the compulsory participation age. Regional differences also play a role, with the United States facing lower enrollment and attraction to scientific education, while the Arab world sees high enrollment but encounters career and social barriers preventing further participation.

Women Scientists on the Forefront of Climate Action

The world’s understanding of climate change has improved exponentially thanks to science, technology and the dedication of some of the world’s top climate scientists.

Get to know some of the female climate scientists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and their unique contributions to the understanding of the state of our planet and the solutions to the climate crisis.
Kathryn Bowen
Lead Author: Health Impacts

“Many risks for human health and well-being could be reduced and some potentially avoided if we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen our adaptation responses, particularly so that these adaptation responses are proactive, timely and effective.”
Aditi Mukherji
Coordinating Lead Author: Water Security

“Water can be a part of the solution. Of all the adaptation measures that have been assessed, almost 60% of those are happening in response to water-related hazards or the intervention itself is water related such as irrigation, soil moisture conservation, rainwater harvesting, etc.”

CONCLUSION

Given the lack of research, it is difficult to say for certain whether women in STEM fields on a leadership path have an easier time or a harder time. Yet the data that is available suggest that there are even more hurdles for female leaders in STEM areas than in other fields; they must overcome barriers both in their content area and in leadership areas. The issues that hinder women’s participation in STEM areas have a large overlap with the issues hindering women’s participation in leadership. Implicit biases and discrimination, family obligations, and the lack of role models and mentors are just a few of the problems facing society and the women trying to succeed in their chosen area.

About the Author

My name is Muskan. I am studing in geeta institute of law, panipat. Am doing work in law field