Supporting women scientists: mentoring, networks and role models
A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progresses towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still underrepresented in these fields.
Gender equality in STEM is not only a matter of fairness, or a basic human right. In fact, the untapped potential of brilliant girls and women who might be interested in STEM but choose not to pursue degrees or careers in these fields because of the various obstacles they may face, represents an important lost opportunity, both for women themselves as well as for the society as a whole. Gender equality should therefore be considered as a crucial means to promote scientific and technological excellence.
Projects and initiatives
- For Women in Science programme: a pioneering programme for the promotion of women in science
- The Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early-Career Women Scientists in the Developing World
- Kenya: Empowering girls through mentoring in STEM for informed career choices
- Strengthening networks of women scientists all over the world
- Increasing the participation and representation of women in physics at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
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