As we approach the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Sunday, 11th February, it's crucial to reflect on the current landscape of gender diversity within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Despite the undeniable importance of these areas to national economies worldwide, we are still seeing a significant gender gap.

According to BIO’s 2022 diversity, equity, and inclusion report, the biotech industry holds only 34% of women in executive teams and only 20% of women as CEOs in biotech startups. This disparity highlights the urgent need for more inclusive strategies to encourage women's participation in science and technology.

Voices for Gender Diversity in Science

So why is gender diversity in science so important? To gain insight into this question, we’ve gathered perspectives from both students and teachers at CGA, who share a common passion for science and a strong belief in the importance of gender diversity in STEM fields.

Gender diversity in science is crucial as it brings unique perspectives and innovative solutions to complex problems. By embracing women's voices, we foster a more inclusive and creative scientific community. Diverse teams challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and inspire future generations of female scientists, creating a richer and more equitable scientific landscape. - Julie Martin, CGA Science Teacher

As a Secondary School Biology teacher, I believe that fostering gender diversity in science is crucial because it opens doors for innovative thinking and collaboration, ensuring that the next generation of scientists represents a tapestry of diverse voices, experiences, and talents. We need to empower every single student to follow their passion in STEM to add richness to the scientific community and ignite a fire that fuels the dreams of generations to come. It’s about showing them that there are no boundaries to what they can achieve and that every one of them can change the course of our world for the better. - Angela Irwin, CGA Biology Teacher 

Diversity of any kind is important when working on complex projects. Diversity of opinions is what drives novelty and discovery, and science is all about that! Women are very different from men in terms of the workings of the brain, so I believe this allows us to bring new perspectives when solving problems.  - Elizaveta F, CGA Student

The equal inclusion of all genders in scientific education as well as research is essential not only from a point of view of equality of access to opportunities but also to improve the accuracy of scientific data and the models derived from it. The different genders, due to their varied experiences, may have valuable unconventional but creative perspectives when understanding concepts and collecting and interpreting data. This is crucial to maintain the growth of valid knowledge in science by minimising the biases introduced by domination of the field by a single gender and challenging and improving current hypotheses. - Mayoora V, CGA Student

Gender diversity in science isn’t just about breaking barriers; It’s about building bridges to new discoveries and untapped potential to build a future where every voice matters. Science knows no bounds and neither should we. - Arrianne V, CGA iAS Biology Student

Promoting gender diversity in science not only enhances innovation and creativity but also addresses longstanding inequalities, opening the way for a more equal and inclusive scientific environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed. - Frederique D, CGA iAS Biology Student

Our Commitment to Gender Equality

At CGA, our commitment to gender diversity is a core part of our ethos, reflecting our belief in a world that thrives on inclusivity. The voices of teachers and students from our community underscores a universal truth: our world is inherently diverse, a multi-gendered spectrum that demands equal representation and opportunities across all spheres, including the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

This year, let us work diligently to ensure that every young woman and girl who dreams of a career in science knows that there is a place for her, that her voice is crucial, and that her potential is limitless.