International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2023

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11th every year to recognise the critical role that women and girls play in scientific fields. On this day, we have an opportunity to celebrate the important contributions of women and girls in science and to work towards creating a more equal and inclusive scientific community.

Earlier this year, for example, Professor Sarah Gilbert and Professor Jackie Yi-Ru Ying were announced as King Faisal Prize for Medicine and Science laureates for 2023 for their work on the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, and nanomaterials for use in medicine, respectively. The list of achievements by women in science goes on. This day serves to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in science and to increase their visibility in the field.

Despite this, women and girls continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. According to UNESCO, only 35% of the world's researchers are women, and the disparity is even greater in senior positions. This imbalance must be addressed in order to fully unlock the potential of half of the world's population and to ensure that science and technology reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of society as a whole.

For this year’s celebrations, the United Nations committee have selected the theme:

Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain - I.D.E.A.S.: Bringing communities Forward for sustainable and equitable development

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We asked some of our people who identify as women?for their thoughts and experiences. In particular, what can be done to bring communities forward, and how they have embraced the cornerstones of I.D.E.A.S.?on their journey through STEM that led them to the field of science communication and into their current role at Page Medical.

What can we as women do to be a part of 'bringing communities forward for sustainable and equitable development'?

Debbie

We cannot remain quiet where inequality exists and we can be empowered to make a change - be that big or small.”

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Charley

“Collaborate LOUDLY! We must recognise the talent and skills in ourselves and each other and call it out so we can all begin to contribute to the best of our abilities”

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Eilidh

“Be present and visible. Mentor others and bring them up with you. Be conscious of your own biases - especially with young people. It's important that girls know science is for them, so they can grow up to be women in science.”

How have you embraced one of the 4 elements of I.D.E.A. on your journey through STEM that led to you working at Page Medical?

Alicia

“Whilst at Uni, my female team member and I elevated the expectations of what student researchers could do – particularly being the only women there. We were young, small in stature, and not afraid to embrace our?fun, light-hearted way. Others struggled to take us seriously and, looking back, I don’t blame them. But we handled heavy machinery in the cold, wind, and rain – we did it all and more! That is what is important to me, not only as a woman in STEM but as a young person. Don’t worry about what others think about you! Lift yourself up first and bring others with you.”

Eilidh

“When a career in research didn't work for me, I chose to do something different. Science communication is innovative and creative. In choosing this path I can demonstrate to others who may feel the same way about traditional research roles that there are other options and your skills can be used to engage people with science.”

Cassie

“Of the 4 elements in the IDEAS concept for this year’s celebrations, I would pick ‘Innovate’ for myself. I have come to realise that when I look at most things, I think ‘how could that be better?’ or ‘what is stopping that being better?’ Usually, the answer lies in the ideas people have about how things work and about what they think is possible. In particular, it can be hard to challenge the idea ‘but…that’s how we’ve always done it!’ That is why, as a woman in STEM, self-belief is very important! It’s not about what other people think of you, it’s about what you think of yourself. With determination, you can achieve more than you thought possible!”

On this day, we celebrate the achievements of women and girls in science and work to address the challenges that they face. This includes addressing the gender pay gap, promoting gender equality in the workplace, and increasing the representation of women and girls in STEM education and careers.

By encouraging girls and women to pursue careers in STEM, we can ensure that science continues to make progress and positively impact the world.