#WomenInScience

Dear Editor,

On February 11, 2017, the global community paused to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization estimates that only 28 per cent of researchers are females. Many jurisdictions, in an attempt to increase the participation of women and girls in the fields of science, have been placing more emphasis and resources on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Jamaica’s new National Standard Curriculum is pivotal in addressing the disconnect between the participation of both sexes regarding equal access to education.

It bears thought that governments all across the globe need to be more responsive to the needs of women and girls in achieving gender equality. Sadly, the breaking of the class ceiling is still a dream for many women and girls, particularly in some societies where patriarchal structures and toxic cultures are more entrenched both in the public and private spheres. These factors serve as a barrier to women’s full and equal participation in to education and training.

In order for any society to advance and progress the rights of women and girls must be protected and expanded. The 21st century female must be not be hindered by intersectional factors, such as income, geography, age, race. Read more

Source: Jamaica Observer