The United Nations (UN) has laid emphasis on investment in women and girls to help them achieve their full potentials as scientific researchers and innovators.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "We need to encourage and support girls and women achieve their full potential as scientific researchers and innovators."
He said this in a Sunday message marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science that falls on February 11.
According to the UN chief, both girls and boys have the potential to pursue their ambitions in science and mathematics, in school and at work.
But, he noted, systemic discrimination means women occupy less than 30 per cent of research and development jobs across the world.
"We need concerted, concrete efforts to overcome stereotypes and biases. One starting point is banishing the predominantly male images of scientists and innovators on social media, in textbooks and in advertising."
Mr Guterres said women and girls need this, and the world needs this, if they are to achieve their ambitions for sustainable development on a healthy planet, reports Associated Press.
"Throughout history, from Hildegard of Bingen to Wangari Maathai, women scientists have built our world. It's time to support and invest in them," he observed.
