This meeting was held with the intentions of both celebration and discussion on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the still-prevalent disparity of women in science.

Princess Dr. El-Hashmite served as the moderator as well as a speaker for this panel. She asserted that the lack of women in science hinders reaching maximum potential in this field, and noted the difficulties of women pursuing careers in and outside of STEM, such as a lack of nurseries at work. She then said that she wanted to be recognized as a scientist, not as a woman in science.

Dr. Dalli went on to speak on how despite the growing number of females graduating from high education, the ratio of females to males pursuing science remains low. At the upper echelons of research, science policy, and the like, the ratio is even worse.

On behalf of UN Women Dr. Puri thanked Malta for its continued support of women in science initiatives and noted how women make up just 28% of global researchers and 5% of the national academy of science. She said that the gap extends beyond research into the realm of policy and executive positions relating to science.

Next, Ms. Jekogian spoke about her dreams of pursuing neuroscience, and Prince El-Hashemite made a pledge to support women and girls in STEM. Ms. Roudil of UNESCO stated that women and girls within science hold the key for innovation, and then Ms. Kogar stressed that for progression in scientific areas of study such as environment and artificial intelligence women are fundamental.

Dr. Lee Karlon noted that within science venture capital only about 4-10% are women, and instead of promises, individuals should move towards progress.

Meeting: High-level Forum on the Occasion of the First Annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Date/Location: Thursday, February 11, 2016; 10:00-13:00; United Nations Headquarters Conference Room 1

Speakers: HRH Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite, Executive Director, Royal Academy of Science International Trust, Founder of Women in Science International League; Hon. Dr. Helena Dalli, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, Malta; H.E. Ms. Lakshmi Puri, Assistant Secretary General, Deputy Executive Director, UN Women; Ms. Rebecca Jekogian, Girl in Science; HRH Prince Zein El-Hashemite; Ms. Marie Paule Roudil, Special Representative and Director of the UNESCO Office at the United Nations; Miss Begum Kogar, Youth Vision; Dr. Ann Lee-Karlon, President, Association of Women in Science; Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, President of the General Assembly; Richard Jordan-Representative of Elected Representatives in New York City and State; Ms. Nilgun Yerli

Written By: WIT Representative Olivia Gong

Edited By: WIT Representative Alex Margolick