The United Nations designated February 11 as “International Day of Women and Girls in Science” as a means of encouraging more participation in science by women and girls. According to the 2015 resolution enacting the observance, “Women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and their participation should be strengthened.”

The international organization recognized a gender gap in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, noting, less than 30 percent of researchers worldwide are women.

The resolution calls on member states to commemorate the observance through educational activities promoting equal participation by women and girls in the sciences, eliminating discrimination, developing policies and programs, and career development.

According to UN Women, a sector of the UN dedicated to gender equality and female empowerment, “The jobs of the future will be driven by technology and innovation and, if the gender divide in STEM is not bridged soon, the overall gender gap is likely to widen.”

“Gender stereotypes, a lack of visible role models, and unsupportive or even hostile policies and environments can keep them from pursuing these careers,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “The world cannot afford to miss out on the contributions of half our population.”/WDJ