KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Publication Plan celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
• Supporting women and girls to pursue careers in science improves gender equality and reduces the gender pay gap.

Today, 11 February, The Publication Plan celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

The day was established in 2015 when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly recognised a need to ensure that women and girls of all ages have full and equal access to and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Despite progress in recent years, women are still under-represented in STEM. Per a UNESCO report, just 35% of students in STEM-related fields of study are female, and gender differences in STEM education present at a young age during early childhood education. These trends are perpetuated by gender stereotypes, male-dominated cultures, and fewer STEM role models for girls, among other factors.

The UN is giving this issue special attention as part of their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By marking this day, the UN is seeking to:

• improve women’s access to full employment and decent work
• improve gender equality
• reduce the gender pay gap.

The medical communications industry is not immune to these issues. As of 2020, there was a 9.1% gender wage gap, with women earning £4,372 less per year on average than men.

By increasing female representation in medical research and medical communications, we are better placed to ensure that our industry is representative of the patients who participate in clinical trials and will benefit from this research—deepening the relevance of our work and its impact.

The theme for the 2022 International Day of Women and Girls in Science is ‘Agents of Change’. The 7^th International Assembly to mark this occasion will focus on ‘Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Water Unites Us’, acknowledging progress towards greater clean water and sanitation.

We look forward to seeing what women and girls in STEM achieve in the coming years.

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