wegg® Celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

“Science reflects the people who make it. The world needs science, and science needs women and girls.”

-UN Women

February 11th, 2020 was recognized as International Day of Women and Girls in Science by UN Women. 

Besides women making up only 35 percent of all students enrolled in STEM related fields, “Recent studies have found that women in STEM… publish less, are paid less for their research, and do not progress as far as men in their careers. Girls are often made to believe they are not smart enough for STEM, or that boys and men have natural affinity for the field.” 

Developments in science and engineering shape the future of a society, and women and girls must be included in that future. The stereotypes and prejudice that maintain the gender gaps in STEM fields are long overdue to being dismantled.

UN Women included a call to action in their announcement of the day of recognition: “The business community, science and research institutions have a stake in bridging the gender gap. UN Women calls for investment and opportunities for women and girls to learn, grow and innovate in science and technology, and for companies around the world to adopt the Women’s Empowerment Principles that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and the community.” 

Check out the full coverage of this important day, as well as resources for women and girls in science, here. wegg® hopes that in the next year more women and girls will feel empowered to explore careers in STEM, and make the leap to turn their dreams into global visions.