Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In recent decades, the international community has made great strides in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science. Yet many challenges remain. According to UNESCO, women today account for only 38 per cent of the world’s researchers in ocean science, and the rate is even lower for women from developing countries.
The International Seabed Authority has a clear vision of women from developing States playing a central role in marine scientific research, with the impacts reaching far beyond the sphere of ocean science. Enhancing the role of women strengthens the scientific and technological capabilities of all developing nations, especially the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States.
In light with this, since the 2017 UN Ocean Conference the International Seabed Authority has mounted a proactive initiative to increase the participation of women, particularly those from developing States, in all its training programmes and other activities (#OceanAction15467). On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science let us again reaffirm our commitment to bridging the gender gap, to achieve sustainable development for all.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Katie Elles, Communications Specialist, International Seabed Authority M: +1 (876) 835 3801/ E: kelles@isa.org.jm
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