Session 1D: Symposium on “The International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development”

Gender (in)equilty in science: Reasons and possible actions

Abstract: In this talk I will very briefly discuss the role of gender equality as an ingredient and indicator for development in general. I will focus, however, on a rather small part of this vast canvas, viz. gender equity in science. After giving some numbers to indicate the present status on (in)equity, I will discuss the reasons for it, focussing on the invisible and unconscious biases.  I will also argue that as scientists, we also need to focus on the science of gender equity. I will end with some suggestions as to what steps we as a science academy can take to progress towards a more equitable situation.