11 February
International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022
On 11 February, we celebrate all the women in science and the Young Professionals Network. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is important because women are underrepresented in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and consequently in STEM professions. Gender equality in science makes a crucial contribution to socio-economic sustainable development, and the aim of the day is to strengthen and promote full and equal access to participation in science for women and girls.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is important
Girls and women are held back from choosing STEM careers because of structural challenges, gender biases, norms, and lack of support. According to the UN, female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers, and their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals. It is therefore important to celebrate and promote all the women that continue to lead ground-breaking research and science, such as the women in the Young Professionals Network.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science calls for action to remove the barriers that are holding them back. Empowerment of women and girls brings in unique perspectives, new talents, and creativity in science and technology. Ensuring equality and access for women enlarges the talent pool for National Data Centres and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization.
Women in the CTBTO sphere and the Young Professionals Network
The International Day of International Day of Women and Girls in Science reminds us that there is still a long way to go before we achieve equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and full gender equality. In 2022, only 33% of the world’s researchers are women.
Unfortunately, gender imbalance also seems to be a reality in the CTBTO sphere. There appears to be a lack of female participation in the CTBTO system, Working Group B, and the CTBT Young Professionals Network.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization is undergoing a generational shift and depends on a diverse and highly skilled workforce of scientists and technical experts to take the work of the CTBTO forward. Accordingly, it is key to address this with concrete actions that NDCs, the CTBTO, and the YPN can take to narrow the gender gap and contribute to equal access and participation.
We are very proud that the Young Professionals Network has 20 strong female role models for girls and women in science
The Young Professionals Network provides a valuable venue for young professionals to grow scientifically and professionally. One of the main objectives of the network is to enable the next generation to take on formal positions at the National Data Centres, the Provisional Technical Secretariat, and the various tasks related to Working Group B. Therefore, we think that encouraging female colleagues to join the Young Professionals Network will benefit all.
Read stories about women in the Young Professionals Network
https://ypn.ctbto.org/article/ypn-stories/meet-dr-Ana-C-Aguiar
https://ypn.ctbto.org/news/living-abroad-as-a-young-professional
https://ypn.ctbto.org/article/ypn-stories/meet-dr-Francesca-D%E2%80%99Ajello-Caracciolo-from-Italy
https://ypn.ctbto.org/article/a-phd-dream-the-path-to-becoming-a-test-ban-expert
https://ypn.ctbto.org/articles/ypn-stories-from-around-the-world/Maria-Theresia-Apoloner
References
United Nations (2022), International Day of Women and Girls in Science | United Nations. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day
OECD (2008), Gender and Sustainable Development: Maximising the Economic, Social and Environmental Role of Women, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264049901-en.