Department of Science and Technology International Day of Women and Girls in Science Leadership
“The world will definitely be a better place with more women in science.” However, at present, there is still a lack of women's representation in the science field. The Department of Science and Technology's celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls focused on the obstacles successfully navigated and the hurdles that we have yet to overcome.
Creating opportunities for women in STEM requires concerted efforts from policymakers, educators, employers, and society as a whole. An overarching solution proposed by organizations locally and globally is the allocation of resources and support. Considering all the information and experiences shared during this event, it is apparent that these play a crucial role in breaking most barriers to women’s participation and recognition in science.
The absence of resources like mentorship programs, research funding, and supportive networks exacerbates disparities, hindering the advancement of women in STEM fields, where they often begin at a disadvantage. According to the Department of Science and Technology Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), their objective is to produce a critical mass of human resources in Science and Technology to support national development programs. They also aim to further strengthen science, technology, and innovation inculcation in the Philippines. These objectives will address personal and educational development and create avenues for increased participation and engagement. As most speakers mentioned, it is easy to generate interest in STEM among women and girls, but retaining them is challenging, especially given the field's often unwelcoming nature to women. Apart from human resources, legal resources were also discussed in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Science and Technology Division's conversation on the structural and systemic barriers women face. One challenge identified is the absence of gender-disaggregated STEM data, which hampers efforts to develop targeted policies and programs catering to the specific needs and challenges faced by women in STEM. Additionally, many institutions operate under neutral or gender-blind policies that fail to account for the unique barriers and biases women encounter in the field.
Policy Brief Strengthening ASEAN Women's Participation in STEM
Finally, the most fundamental key to overcoming these challenges is support. Addressing personal and cultural challenges experienced by women, such as gender stereotypes, norms, bias, and discrimination, heavily relies on the presence of support and a positive societal shift in culture. Breaking all barriers involves a collaborative effort from various organizations. With a strong foundation of support, resources such as human, legal, and financial provisions will be much easier to obtain and mobilize.
The need to overcome the persistence of inequalities faced by women in science is not only for their advantage and gain but also for the world as a whole. Women can also provide solutions, innovate, and, most importantly, lead. It is high time that women are heard and recognized.
