Today, February 11th, 2021, is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day celebrates the valuable contributions and roles of women and girls in science and technology, as well as promotes their full and equal participation in these fields. Their access to science and technology education, training, and research at every level is imperative for achieving gender equality.
This year’s theme highlights the crucial roles that women and girls have played in responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic around the world. Across research, clinical, industry, and community settings alike, women and girls have greatly contributed to their communities’ and nations’ responses to the pandemic. As the majority of the global frontline workforce responding to the pandemic are women, we take particular note of the need for more women in leadership and decision-making positions as the world continues to progress through, and eventually past, this challenging time.
The IFBA continues to promote women in biosafety and biosecurity around the world through its programming and engagement with the global professional community. Most notably, the IFBA is specifically addressing the experiences and needs of women in biosafety and biosecurity through its new Equity-Focused Coordinating Committee. Click here to learn more about this new initiative: https://internationalbiosafety.org/program-activities/ifba-equity-focused-coordinating-committee/
For further details on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science please visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day/