February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, an event proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 to recognize the fundamental role played by women in research and innovation. This day, promoted by UNESCO and UN Women, seeks to promote gender equality in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), ensuring that girls and women can access and develop their talent in these fields under conditions of equity.
Despite the progress made in recent decades, inequality persists. According to UN data, women represent only 33.3% of female researchers worldwide and in key sectors such as artificial intelligence their participation is reduced to 22%. In addition, they face additional difficulties in accessing funding, publishing research in high-impact journals, and rising to leadership positions within the scientific community. This gender gap not only limits the professional development of many women, but also means a loss of talent and innovation for society.
Breaking barriers to build a sustainable future
Science and technology play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from the fight against climate change to the development of new solutions in health and renewable energy. In this context, ensuring women’s full participation in these sectors is essential to face global challenges from a diverse and inclusive perspective.
Although statistics reflect similar performance between boys and girls in science and mathematics, gender stereotypes persist that influence the choice of STEM careers. Many girls are not encouraged to pursue scientific or technological paths, which limits their future opportunities. To reverse this situation, it is essential to promote female role models in science, promote mentoring programs and guarantee educational environments that promote the talent of girls from an early age.
Commitment to equality in science
The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge works to promote the participation of women in research and sustainability initiatives, promoting their leadership in innovative projects that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change. Through training programs and support for green enterprises and the priority inclusion of the gender perspective in the projects we support, we seek to strengthen the role of women in the ecological transition and sustainable development.
On the occasion of this date, different beneficiary entities of the call for grants from the Pleamar Program are going to launch several awareness and dissemination initiatives that will highlight the role of women and girls in the scientific field. Some of these activities are of an informative nature and will be carried out in institutes and other educational centers.
For example, within the framework of the LEVABENTOX project of the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA), talks will be given for primary and secondary school students on “Microscopic life in the sea“, with practical demonstrations using microscopes and scientific materials. In addition, the University of Alicante, through the CAMBIA project, will organize educational workshops in high schools in Alicante and Murcia to make visible the role of women in the history of oceanography and science.
The tenth anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science reaffirms the commitment to gender equality in research and innovation. It is time to close the gender gap in science and ensure that women’s talent fully contributes to a fairer, more sustainable and inclusive future.
