The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called for a greater role for women and girls in science. In his view, this is a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), Antonio GUterres reminded us that "Girls are just as capable as boys of excelling in science and mathematics, both at school and in the workplace."
"As a result of widespread discrimination against them, women occupy less than 30% of research and development positions worldwide." Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
For the head of the UN, it is essential to take concrete, concerted action to put an end to stereotypes and prejudice: starting with putting an end to the male hegemony in the representation of scientists and innovators on social networks, in school textbooks and in advertising, he cited as an example.
"We must encourage girls and women to become researchers and innovators in their own right, and support them in their projects," said Mr. Guterres. "It is for their sake, but also for the sake of the planet as a whole, that we must continue this effort if we are to achieve our sustainable development goals on a healthy planet."
The Secretary General recalled that throughout history, "from Hildegarde de Bingen to Wangari Maathai", women scientists have built our civilization. "It's high time we believed in them and invested in them," he concluded.