"In the realm of science, gender equality prevails," and "If we don’t support women in science, we forfeit half of the intellect and innovation"...

Women in STEM are essential drivers of scientific advancements and catalysts for innovation. At a Roundtable Dialogue of Encouraging Women's Participation in Science and Technology on the recently held 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF 2024), 50 plus esteemed female scientists from across the globe gathered and discussed ways to boost women's participation in sci-tech innovation.

Wu Lizhu: Why women leave the forefront of scientific research after graduation

Gender parity is observed in undergraduate and doctoral programs, yet the transition to scientific research post-graduation reveals a pronounced "scissor gap," with the number of men in the field increasing and the number of women decreasing, noted Wu Lizhu, a veteran academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and a researcher at the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry (IPC) of the CAS.

"Many female graduates become anxious due to various issues they encounter in career choices and life, and it is at this time that they leave the forefront of scientific research," said Wu.

Cao Xiaofeng: China takes action in achieving gender parity at high level of scientific research

New data indicates that China is home to approximately 40 million female scientists and technologists, representing over 40% of the total workforce in these fields.

Cao Xiaofeng, an Academician of the CAS and a researcher at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the CAS, has observed that while the number of female scientists and technologists is significant, their representation diminishes as they progress in their careers and seek academic advancement. Despite comprising over 40% of the total scientific workforce in China, women account for only about 6% of the members in the two academies, highlighting a persistent challenge in achieving gender parity at the highest levels of scientific achievement.

China has taken decisive action in recent years to strengthen the presence of women in the field of science and technology through a range of policy initiatives.

Among these are the extension of age limits for women in award and project applications, the alleviation of time pressures for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the bolstering of female representation in peer reviews.

These measures are intended to energize the innovative capacity of female scientists and technologists, ensuring that their contributions are more widely acknowledged.

The determination of female scientists to reach new heights and shatter the "glass ceiling" serves as an inspiring "beacon" for the advancement of other women in their fields.

Han Xiqiu: Female scientists are capable of achieving great things in their pursuit for scientific dreams

Han Xiqiu, a distinguished researcher at the Second Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Vice Dean of the Ocean College at Zhejiang University, made history as the first female chief scientist leading China's oceanic scientific expeditions.

"18 years ago, the prospect of taking such a significant responsibility seemed like an unattainable dream, but when the opportunity presented itself, I realized I was more than capable of fulfilling my duties effectively. Since then, I have had the honor of serving as the chief scientist for China's oceanic scientific expeditions on multiple occasions, during which we've made numerous significant discoveries," Han reflected.

Han urged female scientists to have confidence in their abilities, emphasizing, "We are capable of achieving great things. What we need are opportunities. It's also crucial that we share our stories to inspire and guide young women, empowering them to pursue their scientific dreams with courage and determination."

Jennifer L. Schaefer: we need a more inclusive environment to support women in the science

Jennifer L. Schaefer, the Sheehan Family Collegiate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, advocated for a more inclusive work environment for women to manage the work-life balance. She suggested implementing flexible working hours, scheduling key activities during core working hours, and organizing events that are family-friendly to support women in the science.  

"Such efforts can help women with families to reach their full potential and attain professional success," Schaefer remarked.

Source: Xinhua News Agency