Inclusion in STEM sectors vital for gender equality, GSD says

GSD executive member Atrish Sanchez said society must not only take a firm stance against all types of gender-based violence, but also understand the importance of the inclusion of women within STEM sectors.  

This comes as the GSD marks International Women’s Day.  

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day 2023 is ‘DigiTalk: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’ with the United Nations recognising and celebrating women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education, whilst also exploring the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities.  

International Women’s Day 2023 will also highlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online forms of gender-based violence, Ms Sanchez said.  

“Despite their many achievements, women and girls remain largely underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas,” Ms Sanchez said.   

“Globally, they represent a minority of students in STEM education, at only 35 percent in the European Union, with just three per cent studying information and technology.” 

“The under-representation of women in these careers is an issue to tackle with the goal of bridging that gender gap and to break down biases and stereotypes.”  

“It is as basic as creating opportunities for our young women.” 

Additionally the need to protect the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online forms of gender-based violence is important, she said in a statement.  

“According to the UN, across 51 countries, almost 40 per cent of women had been harassed online and 85 per cent had witnessed some form of online violence,” Ms Sanchez said.  

“Abusive behaviours take different forms, ranging from identity-based insults to targeted harassment or attacks on privacy.”  

“The common theme in all of these is to create a hostile environment for women online aimed at shaming, belittling them, or insinuating that they do not belong there.” 

“As a society we must not only take a firm stance against all types of gender-based violence, but also understand the importance of the inclusion of women within STEM sectors,” she added.   

“All the sectors that both create these technologies and digital spaces to reduce these biases inherent to institutional cultures and work to create effective, safer, and inclusive spaces.”  

“It is imperative that scientific progress is also gender neutral, serving all equally and drawing equally on the talents of all.”