MARKING International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Sinn Féin’s higher education spokesperson Caoimhe Archibald has said we must break down barriers and challenge misconceptions which limit women’s participation in STEM.
The East Derry MLA said: “Today marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science which promotes the achievement of full and equal access to, and participation in, science for women and girls, to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
“The theme for year is investment in women and girls in science for inclusive green growth.
“Science and gender equality underpins the achievement of internationally agreed development goals.
“Despite efforts over recent years, the numbers of women participating and working in science, and in particular fields of science, remain much lower than men.
“The drop-out rate of women from degree to post-graduate, post-doctoral and beyond from STEM subjects and careers leads to very low representation of women at higher career levels.
“This must be addressed, we must tackle the real and perceived barriers which limit the opportunities of women having rewarding, well-paid careers in these fields.
“Young girls need to be able to see positive role models in all walks of life.
“There is a responsibility on everyone in a leadership role, in politics, business, academia and civic society, to address gender equality and reduce barriers to participation by women.”
