Women and Girls in Science Day 2022
Women scientists can be the catalyst for change
As the world aims to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls on the United Nations’ International Day of Women and Girls in Science, IMCD’s female scientists share their stories.
Identifying the structure of insulin, discovering radiation and measuring radioactive emissions, even our first flights into space. None of these would have been possible without the women behind these scientific achievements: Dorothy Hodgkin, Marie Curie and Katherine Johnson, respectively.
Yet, women in science remain outnumbered by men. Only 33.3% of researchers worldwide are women, UN data shows. Only 12% of members of national science academies are women.
Closing these gaps is contingent on awareness, on providing opportunities for women in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and on highlighting female role models and their achievements.
The UN has identified science and gender equality as key goals within its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. IMCD believes the private sector also has an important role to play.
IMCD is now actively continuing to close this gender gap and working to improve its employee balance. As of 2020, the IMCD has gender parity across the organisation, with 51% females and 49% males.
As the world recovers from the pandemic, the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution will require more scientists in every field.
To inspire, encourage, and champion the scientists of our future on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and every day, here are the insights of some of IMCD’s inspiring women in science.
‘Science can help safeguard the environment.’
“Science can help us find sustainable solutions to global problems such as pollution and climate change. I understood that at university. I was working on a project to evaluate the impact of adding a filler – calcium carbonate – to a paint formulation so we could reduce titanium dioxide levels without affecting the quality of the product. Using smaller amounts of titanium dioxide helps reduce mining demand, slash energy use and cut costs, delivering a more eco-friendly product. That’s one way chemists and other scientists can play a significant role in safeguarding the environment."
IMCD creates a world of opportunity for all genders.
IMCD celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by sharing their stories with the world.
These women represent only a fraction of the many inspiring scientists who are creating a common future for all of us. In the months ahead, IMCD would like to continue featuring our fantastic workforce.
Because role models are essential to inspire and influence young and old alike.
To see it is to be it.