In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to make visible the decisive contribution of women to research and innovation. This initiative, promoted by UNESCO and UN Women, seeks to promote real equality in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and guarantee access to and development of female talent in conditions of full equality.

Despite the progress made in recent decades, effective equality is still a pending task. The report “Female Scientists in Figures 2025” reveals that the total percentage of female researchers remains stagnant at almost 40% since 2014. Forecasts indicate that at the current rate women would reach the same representation as men at the highest levels of the research career in about 15 years. This gap is also reflected in the collection of resources, since in 2022 women registered a success rate in calls for projects 4.5 points lower than that of their colleagues. At the European level, according to the “She Figures 2024” report, women are listed as inventors in only 9% of patent applications, and they face greater obstacles in accessing research funds.

Science is an indispensable driver to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and tackle the climate emergency. The twin ecological and digital transitions require the full participation of all available scientific talent. However, critical gaps persist in strategic sectors such as ICT. To combat this structural inequality, Spain has strengthened its legislative framework through the reform of the Science Law. This regulation introduces pioneering guarantees to ensure effective equity.

COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY IN SCIENCE

The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge assumes equality as a backbone of its work. For this reason, it includes the gender perspective as a cross-cutting and mandatory criterion in its lines of financing and in the projects it supports. This measure seeks to strengthen female leadership in research, conservation and green entrepreneurship.

The commemoration of this day urges us to break down the barriers that hinder women’s professional advancement . Overcoming the so-called glass ceilings and sticky floors in the research career is imperative for the progress of knowledge. At the same time, it is crucial to combat the lack of stimulus that many girls perceive in the face of scientific careers. The promotion of role models and the creation of motivating educational environments will allow this irreplaceable talent to build a more prosperous society, capable of responding to global challenges with justice and sustainability.