The International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February isn’t just any old day. It’s a day when we stop and think about how many amazing women are out there, doing incredible things in science.
Worldwide, women make up only one-third of researchers (see also this animated infographic), but they certainly have made their mark.
- Take Rachel Carson, for example. She wrote “Silent Spring,” a book that inspired the global environmental movement. She showed us how pesticides like DDT were damaging the environment and human health.
- Then there’s Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, renowned for her efforts in climate change communication and advocacy, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding
- Dr. Jane Goodall, celebrated for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, she advocates for environmental conservation and sustainable living, emphasising the interconnectedness of all living beings.
- Dr. Naomi Oreskes, a science historian, sheds light on the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change, debunking misinformation propagated by sceptics.
- Dr. Susan Solomon, an atmospheric chemist, has played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the mechanisms behind ozone depletion and climate change, informing international policies for mitigating climate impacts.
- Dr. Carol S. Dweck is one of the many women who shaped the science of behaviour change. Known for her work on mindset theory, Dr. Dweck is a psychologist whose research focuses on motivation, personality, and development. She is particularly famous for her research on the concept of fixed versus growth mindsets and how these mindsets impact behaviour, achievement and success.
- Dr. Susan Michie is a psychologist and professor of health psychology. She has made significant contributions to the field of behaviour change science, notably through her development of the Behaviour Change Wheel, a framework for understanding behaviour change interventions, and the COM-B model, which provides a comprehensive understanding of behaviour change processes.
- And last but not least, Dr. Elke Weber, a psychologist who studies how we make decisions, especially when it comes to climate change. She’s figuring out ways to help us all make better choices for the planet.
These women, among many others, have shaped the world of science and scientific inquiry. (See for instance this list of women at the forefront of climate action) And in doing so, they had to overcome many barriers, including outright sexism and discrimination.
Gender disparities persist across the scientific community, hindering women’s advancement in leadership roles, salary equity, work-life balance, and mentorship opportunities. Women often miss out on the top leadership roles, limiting their opportunities for recognition and influence. Salary and funding inequities also impede their ability to pursue research and career progression. And in the media, only 10% of people interviewed are female.
Also in the science world, gender equality is the unfinished business of our time! And that is why the UN is calling on everyone to “Close The Gender Gap in Science” in 2024.
And that means addressing the real barriers that women scientists experience. That includes taking measures to help women balance professional and personal responsibilities, and eradicate the implicit bias and stereotypes that continue to influence hiring and promotion. There are still too few options for mentorship and support networks, and women encounter gender-based harassment and discrimination. Hostile work environments undermine confidence and well-being.
We need to change things up!
Addressing these disparities requires systemic change, and that means explicit action to promote greater diversity in the scientific community, combating bias and fostering supportive environments. We’ve got to support more women in science, allowing them to take on leadership roles, and make sure they’re treated fairly. It’s not just about being fair; it’s about making sure we’re getting the best science possible!
And we need to work together to encourage young women to consider careers in science. A career in science offers opportunities to make a difference and challenge yourself intellectually. As more women join the scientific community, they contribute to greater diversity, and greater potential to come up with the best ideas and solutions.
At Global Action Plan we hope that young women can be inspired by the many positive role models of women who have made a difference in science. We are doing our bit to help empower the next generation of female scientists, so that they can overcome barriers and shape a more equitable scientific landscape.