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Women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases in pursuing careers in science, says the United Nations Today (11 February) marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, two significant milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. The UN said that gender equality in science is crucial for building a better future for all, “yet women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases in pursuing scientific careers.” :Closing the gender gap in science requires breaking stereotypes, promoting role models to inspire girls, supporting women’s advancement through targeted programmes and fostering inclusive environments through policies and actions that promote inclusion, diversity and equity. “A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields,” said the UN. The UN said that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution not only to economic development of the world, but to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well. Astronomer Lisa Harvey Smith, Professor of Practice in Science Communication and the Australian Government’s Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Ambassador, said women continue to be extremely under-represented in science. But, with the right mentoring, networks and support, they can “punch through the glass ceiling” and do “incredible work,” she said. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said: “On the tenth anniversary of this important day, and as we reflect on 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, let’s help pave a path to STEM careers that women and girls deserve – and our world needs.” Celebrating Senamile Masango, South Africa’s first black nuclear scientist In South Africa, the pioneering nuclear scientist, Senamile Masango, who died recently, has been described as a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women. The Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, paid tribute to Masango, South Africa’s first black nuclear scientist and a member of the HRDC, who died on Sunday, 9 February. Masango, who hailed from Nongoma in northern KwaZulu-Natal, passed away in hospital following a short illness. She was 37-years-old. “Her passion for developing critical skills among the population and women in science, in particular, will be sorely missed,” the Deputy President said in a statement on Monday. Worldwide recognition Masango, a PhD candidate, was a globally recognised nuclear scientist, esteemed energy leader and pioneering entrepreneur. As a trailblazer in the field of nuclear science, she was widely respected for her groundbreaking research particularly at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). Her achievements were a source of pride, as she became the first African woman to conduct experiments at CERN. Masango’s brilliance gained international recognition when she received the prestigious Women in Science Award in 2022. She served as the founder and Executive Chair of Mphathisithele Consulting, an energy consulting firm. She also served on several public sector science bodies including the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and recently became a member of the HRDC. Due to her groundbreaking work in empowering women through science, she has received numerous local and international honours. These include being recognised as one of the 50 Global Inspirational Women of 2020 and being named a finalist for the Women in Tech Global Awards in 2021. The Presidency, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga and King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu nation, all paid tribute to Masango. |
