Shattering the Glass Ceiling: UN Initiatives Celebrate Girls in Science

Around the world, science and technology are helping drive new discovery, growth and innovation in countries. Yet, even as the world needs science, science needs women and girls. 

Today, women make up only one third of all scientific researchers. Only 28 per cent of engineering graduates are women. Even as the gaps between girls and boys narrow when it comes to school enrollment and performance in subjects such as mathematics and science, there is still a long way to go, when considering the representation of girls and women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related fields in higher and university education. Even when they do break the proverbial glass ceiling, women continue to face deeply entrenched gender stereotypes, hostile work environments and limited access to investments and opportunities for research and publishing. 

An inclusive, diverse, nurturing and equitable playing field is fundamental for science and technology to work for the benefit of all and indeed, for innovation itself to thrive. 

Marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 11th February, here is a glimpse into various initiatives from across UN entities that are helping raise awareness, advance policy agenda, build scientific and technical skills, open opportunities and pave the path for women and girls in STEM fields:

Rwanda 

For Gisele Umutoni, mechanical engineering is more than a profession; it is a passion. Falling pregnant at the age of seventeen, Gisele found herself at a crossroads between having to solely raise her child as a single teen mother, pursuing further education and finding means of income that could support her and her child. Supported by a UN Women programme aimed at fostering dignified lives and greater economic opportunities for vulnerable women in Rwanda, Gisele seized the opportunity to acquire new skills in finance, entrepreneurship, mechanics, tailoring and more. Despite it being a male dominated field, Gisele delved into the sector, quickly finding a job and growing steadily, while saving for her family. Today, she provides mechanical services in Kigali and several districts, breaking the stereotypes that have hindered women from effectively participating and thriving from such sectors. In the future, she hopes to own her garage and equipment. Learn more about the programme benefiting Gisele and hundreds of other women here. 

Afghanistan 

In 2022, as the de facto authorities took power in Afghanistan and a ban on women’s university education was instituted, the country’s all-girls robotics team- nicknamed “The Afghan Dreamers” found themselves grappling with their own safety and their basic rights to learn and pursue their dreams. Somaya Faruqi, the leader of the team who is now pursuing engineering in the United States, is an active voice on behalf of the 1.1 million girls and young women in Afghanistan without access to formal education. As one of the global champions for “Education Cannot Wait”- the UN’s global, billion-dollar fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises- Somaya is helping raise awareness for greater investment in inclusive online education and community-based education initiatives. Read more about her story here. 

Senegal 

In Senegal, technical universities are taking action to advance gender equality and encourage more girls and women to enroll in STEM education. As part of a UNESCO project, funded by the People’s Republic of China, two universities- École Supérieure Polytechnique of Dakar and École Polytechnique of Thiès- have been organizing high-school visits and awareness-raising campaigns across Senegal, fostering new skills in entrepreneurship and innovation and awarding prizes among girls, recognizing women scientists, opening up access for girls to apply for STEM courses by waiving fees. Over 18 months, the initiative reached 113 high schools and engaged with over 5000 girls in Senegal. Learn more about the initiative here.

Jamaica 

Late last year, UNESCO and the global cosmetics brand L’Oréal joined hands to establish the first Women in Science Young Talents Caribbean Awards, recognizing young women scientists, leading pertinent research who can be role models for the next generation of girls and women in the Caribbean and the world. The first recipients of the awards were Ms. Sarah Buckland, a climate scientist from Jamaica and Ms. Sunshine De Caires from Trinidad and Tobago. Both the awardees are carrying out significant research on climate science and agriculture, studying seasonal climate patterns during dry seasons, and climate impacts on soil quality and sustainable land management, respectively. Learn more about how this initiative strives for a cultural shift and provides a greater platform for women scientists here. 

Chad

In Chad, UNICEF-run Non-formal Basic Education Centers are reaching those left furthest behind in a country where the education system is under tremendous strain. With the support of Education Cannot Wait, these centers are providing education for out-of-school vulnerable girls and boys. These centers are sparking an interest in subjects like science, arithmetic, mechanics and much more for young girls like Khadija whose dream is to become a laboratory technician. Read more about her story here.