Although women are more likely than young men to pursue higher education, they make up only 35 per cent of science graduates.
11 February 2026 - Across the world, a significant gender gap persists at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines due to lack of research funding, gender stereotypes, and discriminatory workplace practices.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the gap is particularly pronounced in technology, where women represent just 26 per cent of the workforce in data and artificial intelligence, and 12 per cent in cloud computing.
“Excluding women from science weakens our collective capacity to address urgent global challenges, from climate change to public health to space security,” he warned.
Greater inclusion
As societies continue to grapple with widening inequalities, the UN believes that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), social science, STEM and finance provides a way to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development.
The approach is being highlighted on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed on Wednesday.
Synergizing these four domains can help dismantle persistent barriers by closing gender gaps in digital skills, catalysing women-driven start-ups, advancing gender-responsive AI governance, and mobilising finance that embeds social inclusion as a performance metric.
“From advancing renewable energy to preventing the next pandemic, our future hinges on unlocking as much human talent as possible,” the Secretary-General said.
“Today and every day, let us ensure that women and girls can realise their scientific ambitions – for their rights, and for the benefit of all.”