The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11 February annually, recognises the critical role women and girls play in science and technology. It’s an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Tackling some of the challenges of the Agenda for Sustainable Development - from creating health for all to achieving zero hunger - will rely on harnessing all talent. That means getting more women working in the science fields.
According to UNESCO data (2014 - 2016), only around 30% of all female students worldwide select STEM-related fields in higher education. Our World Youth International School in Nepal aims to support and empower the females within their community to achieve their goals through education. They are given the opportunity to explore various fields and industries, including science and technology.
Due to the strong patriarchal culture, females in Nepal have often been denied the opportunity to study and pursue their dreams. With the notion of limiting females to solely household duties, schooling was never considered a necessity. Over the years, the concept of gender equality and female empowerment has greatly influenced the Nepali society. Females in Nepal can now certainly reach their full potential with ongoing support and the right guidance, which is what the World Youth International School strives for.
We are enormously proud of the girls studying at the School, and of our amazing community of sponsors, donors and volunteers who are helping to make it possible for them to study and become anything they want to be in the future.
Here's to more girls entering the science and technology fields in the future, and for all of the opportunities that a great education can provide!
“To rise to the challenges of the 21st century, we need to harness our full potential. That requires dismantling gender stereotypes. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s pledge to end the gender imbalance in science,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
