Ms. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Assistant Director General of 蘑菇视频ESCO,
Ms. Noeline Raondry Rakotoarisoa, Director, Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences a.i.
Excellencies,
Dear friends,
It is a pleasure to join you today and to have the opportunity to discuss an issue very dear to my heart: women and girls in science.
By now, every corner of the world has felt the devastating impact of the pandemic, and women and girls in science are on the front lines of response. They are healthcare workers and innovators. They are researching vaccines and pioneering treatments. They are leading us toward a safer world, and inspiring the next generation of girls to be forces of good in science and tech.
Over the last few months, I have actually had a few opportunities to engage on the topic of women and girls in science. At COP26 I met with a group of women scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. And, more recently, I held an interview on my podcast series with Dr. Roberta Bondar, a Canadian former astronaut and neurologist.
During both exchanges I heard firsthand about the very personal struggles that so many women and girls go through in the field of science. The struggles many continue to go through.
My main takeaway from these conversations, and one which I wholeheartedly support, is that women and girls should always feel that becoming a scientist is possible. That whatever they would like to do is possible.
Women and girls should never feel that particular fields of work or study are off limits to them. I am of the view that women advocating for women is powerful and is essential for all disciplines, especially those that remain male-dominated.
As Dr. Bondar said when I asked her about advice to policymakers, and I quote: “we must back up curiosity with support.”
Too often our systems, our misconceptions, even those we may not be aware of, trample on the seeds of curiosity in our young people. Seeds that could one day turn into astronauts, or climate scientists. We should never stand in the way of curiosity, we must always be supportive.
No obstacles, just steppingstones.
This is particularly the case in developing countries, particularly LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, where the challenges are even more pronounced, and often structural – requiring targeted interventions.
When you consider that many developing countries stand at the frontlines of climate change, facing drought, floods, and the threat of sea-level rise, you have to ask: do we not need MORE scientists, NOT fewer?
Clearly, we must do more to equip everyone with the will and the capacity to support. This is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do.
Yet, so many of the greatest minds are out there – untapped. Let us not squander their potential. Let us empower and elevate.
Dear friends,
I am aware that recruiting women is not enough. We need to back this up with the right policies and the right approach.
I recall that during my recent meeting with the Circle of Women Ambassadors in New York, it was highlighted that we need the Triple A’s, Analysis, Alliances, and Action.
My friends, I consider you as part of my alliance and as an inspiration to all of my actions.
On that note, it is important to hear from you, as scientists, what could be done.
Please, be candid, we are listening.