Celebrating The International Day Of Women And Girls In

Highlighting women in science at CSU and beyond for International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Feb. 11

WRITTEN BY: Abigail Preiszig DESIGNED BY: Jakob Roberts

Feb. 11 marks the eighth International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day to promote “full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls,” according to the United Nations.

This international day of observance is intended to put a much-needed focus on the gender gaps that have persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines — some of the fastest growing career fields. It is a day to advocate for, bring awareness to and inspire action toward this important global issue.

In the past two decades, efforts have been made to inspire and engage women in STEM, yet they continue to be excluded from and underrepresented in both leadership and technical positions. For example, it was found that female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers and that their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals. They are also passed over for promotions, less likely to be invited to speak on scientific panels and given smaller research grants than their male colleagues . Women represent 33% of all researchers, yet only 12% of members of the national science academies are women, according to a UNESCO Science Report. Having women in science is important. It makes sure that their needs and perspectives are considered in research and development of products that impact daily life.

The inauguration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science came on Dec. 22, 2015, after the World Women’s Health and Development forum in February of that year. It was at this forum, where most guests and speakers attending were women, that the topic of an international day of observance of women in science came to be.

In April, Her Royal Highness Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite, executive director of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), wrote a letter to the U.N. General Assembly requesting on behalf of all participants of the World Women’s Health and Development Forum that they take steps to declare Feb. 11 the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

“From today, I very much hope that I will be called a scientist rather than a woman in science, and to be recognized by my achievements rather than my gender,” El-Hashemite said at the inauguration at the U.N. “Every Feb. 11, we celebrate the achievements of women, known and unknown, remembered and forgotten, who have forged the way for those of us in science today.”

The theme for this year's International Day of Women and Girls in Science is “Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain.” or “IDEAS: Bringing communities forward for sustainable and equitable development.” At a U.N. Headquarters event, participants will review the impact of clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; industry, innovation and infrastructure; and sustainable cities and communities of fictitious communities.

To commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, The Vindicator connected with Cleveland State University scientists Kenya Wilcots, Abigail Ansah-Zame, Lauren Lottier and Hala Osman to discuss their research and what it means to be a woman in science.

*Responses have been edited for length and clarity*