Event
Celebrating the10th Anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science – Fostering Women’s Representation and Leadership in the Jobs of Tomorrow
1. Background
Representing 33.3 per cent of all researchers worldwide, only 12 per cent of member of national science academies are women, while only 22 per cent of the labour force in artificial intelligence is currently composed of women.1According to the latest data from the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, 41% of scientists in Arab States are women.
Moreover, the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report highlighted that women’s representation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is only at 28.2 per cent, while women make up one-tenth of leaders in the STEM workforce. Despite increased recognition that STEM fields are critical to national economies, no country has yet achieved gender equality in STEM. Despite increased girls’ enrolment in school in recent years, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM education as gender biases, stereotypes and the global digital divide disproportionately prevent women and girls from accessing online STEM information and opportunities
In Lebanon, it is estimated that currently more than 80 per cent of women and girls are enrolled in disciplines such as Arts Sciences, and Education, while only 16 per cent pursue studies in STEM fields. This underrepresentation prevents women and girls to enter future-ready industries and to lead the jobs of tomorrow, including in ICT, green technologies and artificial intelligence.
Considering potential opportunities following the ceasefire and recent changes in political leadership in Lebanon, it is essential that women participate and lead for inclusive and gender transformative early recovery and reconstruction processes.
2. Objectives
Marking the International Day of Women in Science and Girls in Science, the American University of Beirut, in collaboration with UNESCO and UN Women, is organizing an inter-generational and cross sectoral panel discussion with the aim to:
• Celebrate the significant contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics by highlighting the profound impact women have made in shaping scientific advancements that benefit society.
• Inspire and empower women and girls to pursue and thrive in scientific careers by sharing inspiring stories of women who have made significant contributions to their fields, from pioneers to contemporary leader and address key challenges faced by women in the scientific community, as well as their needed representation in early recovery and reconstruction processes.
• Advocate for policy changes, educational reforms and support mechanisms to increase and facilitate women and girls’ access to STEM fields of studies and leadership roles, as well as increasing the share of women’s employment once graduate in respective industries and sectors.
• Identify avenues to promote peer-to-peer mentoring and networking opportunities connecting women and girls across STEM fields by offering an opportunity for the audience and panelists to connect, exchange ideas, and inspire the growth of a supportive network of women and girls in science who empower and mentor one another
3. Format
The event will take place on 11 February from 17:00 to 18:45 and will consist of a moderated panel discussion featuring an esteemed panel of women and men scientists, researchers, and advocates from various STEM fields.
Following the discussion, there will be an interactive Q&A session to engage the audience, offering opportunities to ask questions and share perspectives.
