“Women and girls must be recognised as both beneficiaries and creators of Science, Technology, and Innovation”: GenderInSITE’s Alice Abreu at the UN STI Forum
14 May 2019, New York
For the first time, the Annual Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum 2019) included a session on Gender and Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, with the participation of Prof. Em. Alice Abreu, Director of GenderInSITE 2015-2017 and current GenderInSITE Steering Committee Member.
The session centred on issues related to attracting and retaining women in STI/STEM fields, and supporting women entrepreneurship, including through access to capital. In her talk, Alice Abreu highlighted that:
- There has been a recent shift in approaches to gender and science, technology, and innovation, as it is now recognized that structural change in scientific institutions is a key requirement.
- Girls must be encouraged to engage with technology in early school years, with provision for mentoring and role models.
- It is crucial to acknowledge that an increase in women’s representation will improve research and innovation. Women and girls must be recognised as both beneficiaries and creators of science, technology, and innovation.
You can view highlights of the session here and read a full report here, courtesy of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).
You can also read GenderInSITE’s latest report on bringing a gender lens to scientific leadership here.