Online Desk: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that gender equality in science is essential to building a better future for all.

“Sadly, women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases that prevent them from pursuing careers in science,” he said in a message on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11 February.

The Secretary-General believes that it is essential that women and girls participate equally in scientific discoveries and innovations, whether in the field of climate change, health or artificial intelligence”. “This is the only way to ensure that science benefits everyone,” he said.

Today, women make up only a third of the global scientific community and, compared to men, they get less funding, are underrepresented in publications and hold fewer senior positions in major universities.

In some places, women and girls have limited or no access to education. Guterres described this situation as not only harmful to the societies concerned, but also a terrible violation of human rights.

“Addressing gender inequalities requires overcoming gender stereotypes and promoting role models that encourage girls to pursue scientific careers, developing programmes that encourage the advancement of women in science, and creating work environments that nurture women’s talents. especially those of women from minority groups,” he added.

“Women and girls belong in science. It is time to recognize that inclusion fosters innovation, and let every woman and girl fulfil her true potential,” the UN chief concluded.