Video Credits: UN Women. “Despite progress in ensuring opportunities for women in STEM fields, women and girls continue to be systematically underrepresented as users and leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In order to achieve the sustainable development goals, we need to ensure full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.”

On 11 February, the world marks  the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. And the EIROforum Director Generals have used the occasion to release a joint statement expressing their commitment to ensuring that Women and Girls are afforded equal opportunities to be part of the STEM fields.

“In this spirit, and in particular today, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the EIROforum pays special tribute to the contribution of women and girls whose critical role in science and technology serves to strengthen the scientific community and its collective, global achievements,” the joint statement reads.

Less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women, and there are fewer women in decision making roles and higher-paying STEM jobs. The gender gap in STEM will have deep implications for the future of global economy. EIROforum, a collaboration of eight scientific organizations consisting of CERN, EMBL, ESA, ESO, ESRF, European XFEL, EUROfusion and ILL, aims to improve the quality and impact of scientific research throughout Europe. And focusing on diversity & inclusion is an important aspect of bringing up the level of scientific research. Read the Joint Statement signed by the Chair of EIROforum.