G20: UNESCO calls for greater gender equality in science

• Download the report

Within the framework of the Women's Empowerment Working Group, which met for the first time during the Brazilian Presidency of the G20, and drawing on its mandate and expertise in the fields of education and science, UNESCO has sent G20 members the report "Changing the Equation", a comprehensive overview of the presence of women in STEM fields.

The report shows that the proportion of women working in STEM occupations has increased only slightly over fifteen years in G20 countries (22% in 2021, compared with 19% in 2005)as well as in many other regions of the world. The report also indicated when they do work in these fields, women face pay gaps that can be considerable, as well as limited opportunities for career advancement.

In the ten G20 countries for which data is available, the average salary of women working in STEM fields is at most 88% of that earned by men - in four countries it's even less than 75%. Scientific grants are a key financial resource for many researchers, yet in 2022 women accounted for just 37% of recipients in a sample of thirteen countries, including ten G20 members.

Gender inequalities are already apparent at school. Due to persistent gender bias and discrimination, women account for just 35% of STEM university graduates in G20 countries, even though they perform as well or better than men in terms of academic results. This proportion drops to 29% in information and communication technologies, and just 26% in engineering, manufacturing and construction. Additionally, over 40% of women studying STEM subjects say they have been victims of sexist behavior.

To address this situation, UNESCO calls on G20 countries to adopt cross-cutting policies in favor of gender equality, not only by developing the aspirations of girls and women to pursue studies in STEM fields, but also by ensuring fair and equitable working conditions for young female graduates.

This means combating gender bias in teaching materials, providing gender-sensitive career advice, and creating supportive policies that enable women to reconcile work and family life without penalty, while ensuring that their work is recognized and compensated fairly.

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" - UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

More information: www.unesco.org