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The potential of science is one of the positive changes for gender equality. Consider the case of Natacha Sanwa. She is one of many high school graduates who attended a UN Women-supported coding camp in Rwanda. She created a prototype to help communities respond to climate change using robotics and next-generation technology. she told us: “One of the ideas I came up with through this program was to build mechanized irrigation systems to improve productivity and yields in rural areas,” she said of Women and Girls in Technology. She said she was determined to do everything she could to increase representation.
Over the next 30 years, the majority of the world’s new workers are likely to be concentrated on the African continent, where, like Natacha, 60 percent of the population is currently under the age of 25. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills will play an important role in the future and in jobs around the world. We need to invest in this opportunity for young women in all countries to ensure they have the right skills for these jobs and are not held back by negative stereotypes or discrimination. And we need to ensure that our current and future workplaces are environments that attract, retain, and advance women scientists.
Both the representation and retention of women is essential if science and digital technology fields are to become more creative, innovative and profitable, reflecting the issues that matter to women. Currently, women remain significantly underrepresented, making up only 29.2 percent of all STEM workers, compared to 49.3 percent of all non-STEM occupations. Hostile work environments remain prevalent and hinder women’s career longevity. A 2022 survey conducted in 117 countries found that one in two female scientists reported experiencing sexual harassment at work, and 65% of respondents reported that this had a negative impact on their career. .
Partnerships and engagement to change these workplace issues represent a huge opportunity to increase women’s participation in STEM, with the private sector currently estimated to account for around 70% of global science spending. The Women’s Empowerment Principles provide a framework for just such efforts among private companies, in collaboration with government and academia. More than 9,200 CEOs in 160 countries now implement policies and practices that attract, retain, and advance women into leadership positions, including science and broader STEM fields, and foster inclusive corporate cultures. and is committed to eliminating stereotypes and discriminatory practices.
In the lead-up to this September’s UN Future Summit, which includes a new Global Digital Compact, we will take every opportunity to act swiftly and effectively to combat prejudice and discrimination, and use our bright hearts to We need to be imaginative and supportive. Young scientists like Natasha and her friends.
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