UNESCO and L’Oréal Foundation launch manifesto to promote gender parity in the sciences

A manifesto for women in science was launched in Paris at the close of Thursday’s L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science award ceremony, which recognized five outstanding scientists and 15 researchers. The Manifesto aims to draw attention to the need to ensure gender parity in science.

The Manifesto sets out to improve women’s access to science at all levels and in all disciplines. Its first signatories were Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of L’Oréal and head of the L’Oréal Foundation, and Elizabeth Blackburn, President of the L’Oréal-UNESCO Jury.

“The UNESCO Science Report shows that the disparities between men and women are still very considerable,” said Ms Bokova. “More equality and parity in the sciences would create more opportunities to attain scientific excellence, which is part of UNESCO’s mission.”

“Women and their discoveries are needed in our fast changing world as never before,” said Mr Agon. “With the For Women in Science programme, the L’Oréal Foundation is committed to promoting women scientists who will change the world. We are determined to fight on their side, for science, to build a better world.”

The Manifesto @4womeninscience promotes a six-point agenda:

1. Encourage girls to explore scientific career paths,
2. Break down the barriers that prevent women scientists from pursuing long term careers in research,
3. Prioritize women’s access to senior positions and leadership positions in the sciences,
4. Celebrate with the general public the contribution that women scientists make to scientific progress and to society,
5. Ensure gender equality through participation and leadership in symposiums and scientific commissions, such as conferences, committees and board meetings,
6. Promote mentoring and networking for young scientists to enable them to plan and develop careers that meet their expectations.

Over the past 18 years, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme has been celebrating women scientists from all over the world. Each year, it distinguishes five women researchers from every part of the globe for their exceptional discoveries and awards 250 fellowships to women researchers from 112 countries who are in the early stages of their careers.

To sign the Manifesto: http://www.fwis.fr/en/manifesto