Science is power, and everyone benefits when women and girls are part of the technological revolution

Emma, ​​9 years old, said with confidence in her voice “Science is not a subject in school, it is a strength for me.”.

Emma was speaking at the event in her capacity as a member of the International Platform for Girls in Science for the Sustainable Development Goals, an initiative of the Royal International Academy of Sciences that aims to amplify the voices of women and girls in science and advance with sustainable development goals.

Emma said: “Many of my friends think that science is too difficult or boring. That some things are reserved for geniuses or those who can only afford an education in private schools. But I know that this is not true. Science is for everyone.”.

She stressed that although she knew that her pet dog had cancer, science gave her hope that a day would come when no child or person would have to worry about his health or the health of his family or pet due to diseases for which we do not yet have a cure.

She confirmed that it was her dream “A world where no discovery is missed”confirming that “If we show every girl and boy that they can be part of a scientific community, we will not only teach them science, but we will give them the tools to change the world for the better.”.

The event was held To celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science In partnership between the Royal International Academy of Sciences, permanent missions to the United Nations, and international and international organizations.

The first parameters

Dr. Nisreen Al-Hashimi, Princess of Iraq and Executive Director of the Royal International Academy of Sciences, described the International Day as… “Historic day” hostess: “Each of us is writing a new chapter in the history of women and girls in science.”.

Al-Hashemi stressed that history develops vision, imagination, understanding and critical thinking, stressing that… “It is indispensable to ensuring an ethics in science and technology, which builds and repairs rather than harms or destroys.”.

Al Hashemi explained that development cannot advance without the equal and pivotal participation of women and men in science, whether in leadership, diplomacy, or any field of influence, to ensure that scientific progress leads to comprehensive development.

She said: “States must guarantee equal rights for women, empower them in all scientific fields, and invest in their abilities and talents.”.

added: “All fields of science needed for development require highly educated mothers; they are our first teachers.”.

Complete marginalization

Polona Tepes, a health researcher and member of the Global Forum for Health and Development, an initiative affiliated with the Royal International Academy of Sciences, confirmed in turn that “When women are absent from decision-making in science, an entire dimension of human biology is simplified or marginalized.”.

She stressed that there are more women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics “It determines the type of scientific questions that are asked of us.”.

She warned that when girls are absent from school textbooks, this absence spreads from classrooms to laboratories to leadership positions.

“Creators of humanity’s future”

“Women and girls are not just participants in global science, they are the creators of humanity’s future.”was the message confirmed by Sir Rodney William, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, one of the member states co-sponsoring the event.

The theme of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science for 2026 focuses on promoting… Synergy between artificial intelligence and science and building an inclusive future for women and girls.

William pointed out that today’s topic embodies the exceptional promise of the technological age, and the shared duty to ensure fair and comprehensive progress, stressing that “AI can only serve humanity if it reflects our full diversity.”.

As for the representative of Kenya, who spoke on behalf of the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Erastus Iketela Lukal, he said: “Empowering young women through science, technology, engineering and mathematics is not just about education, it is about justice and economic transformation, and it is the perfect choice.”.

He confirmed that “We cannot thrive with just half the population. We must thrive together as we chart our course toward the future.”.

“Women must be innovators and leaders”

There was a speech by the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, delivered by her representative at the event, Sofia Vergas, in which she stressed that despite the persistence of the gender gap, women have made exceptional contributions to science and technology.

She said: “Imagine what humanity could achieve if every talented and curious girl had the same opportunity to learn, innovate and lead.”.

She stated that women constitute 35% of science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates in the world, while they represent only 28% of the global workforce in these fields, stressing that “Women must not only use technology, but also be creative, innovative and leaders.”.

She said that the inclusion of women, digital equality, and comprehensive technology governance are essential to achieving the sustainable development goals, stressing that “Everyone benefits when women and girls become an integral part of the technological revolution.”.

Share still faces inhibitions

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, emphasized in his message on the occasion of this international day that: “We must ensure that every girl has the possibility of a future education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and that every woman has the possibility to thrive in her scientific career.”.

He cautioned that despite progress in access to education, women’s participation in STEM fields continues to be hampered by lack of research funding, gender stereotyping, and discriminatory practices in the workplace.

He pointed out that this gap widens sharply in the field of technology, as women represent only 26% of the workforce in the field of data and artificial intelligence, and only 12% of them in the field of cloud computing.

Guterres said “The absence of female voices, especially at the leadership level, entrenches biases in digital tools and causes tangible harm in the real world.”.

He warned that “The exclusion of women from science weakens our collective ability to address pressing global challenges.”.