Invest in girls, women: UN chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has laid emphasis on investing in women and girls to help them achieve their full potential as scientific researchers and innovators.

“We need to encourage and support girls and women achieve their full potential as scientific researchers and innovators,” he said in a message marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science that falls on February 11.

The UN chief said both girls and boys have the potential to pursue their ambitions in science and mathematics, in school and at work.

But systemic discrimination means women occupy less than 30 percent of research and development jobs worldwide.

“We need concerted, concrete efforts to overcome stereotypes and biases. One starting point is banishing the predominantly male images of scientists and innovators on social media, in textbooks and in advertising,” he said.

The UN chief said women and girls need this, and the world needs this, if they are to achieve their ambitions for sustainable development on a healthy planet.

“Throughout history, from Hildegard of Bingen to Wangari Maathai, women scientists have built our world. It’s time to support and invest in them,” said Secretary-General Guteress.

Source: unb