Message by António Guterres on International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Science is a collaborative discipline.

Yet science is being held back by a gender gap.

Girls and boys perform equally well in science and mathematics – but only a fraction of female students in higher education choose to study sciences. 

To rise to the challenges of the 21st century, we need to harness our full potential.

That requires dismantling gender stereotypes.

It means supporting the careers of women scientists and researchers.

The Women’s Empowerment Principles, developed by UN Women, offer guidance for companies and others.

In this year in which we mark the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, let us bring new urgency to promoting women’s and girls’ access to science education, training and jobs.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s pledge to end the gender imbalance in science.