Did you know that women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues? And while women represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of national science academy members are women, according to the United Nations. That’s why Feb. 11 celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science, to acknowledge gender gaps and recognize the importance of closing them.
Over the past few decades, education and career opportunities for women have grown. But when it comes to participating in science, women and girls continue to be excluded and underrepresented. Allowing all people to participate fully in scientific fields is a key part of sustainable development.
Women have played an important role in the history of science, including in the 1800’s when Elizabeth Blackwell, MD, became the first female physician in the United States. Since then, women have made groundbreaking scientific discoveries, won Nobel Peace Prizes, taken on leadership positions in scientific associations and much more. In 1951, Rosalind Franklin, PhD, made instrumental discoveries about DNA’s helical structure. However, James Watson, PhD, and Francis Crick, PhD, are credited this discovery, even though they used Dr. Franklin's data. This is just one of the many examples where the leader in a discovery was female but men were given the majority of the credit. Recognizing the role of women such as Dr. Franklin in scientific history helps younger generations of women see themselves in the field and encourages them to pursue their interests.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals include a goal focused on achieving gender equality. Sustainable development requires that all people, especially women and girls, are allowed to fully participate in society. Supporting and empowering women — not just in science, but in any field — will result in greater opportunities for human advancement.
Check out this article for a few of the ways to support women’s advancement in science. Read about the progress that the United Nations has made since 2016 within gender equality and the movement of empowering women and girls.