Bewsys contribution to women empowerment in science

Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, half of its potential. Depriving the world of this potential will continually breed inequality and injustice. Today marks another celebration of International Day of Woman and Girls in Science. Though many initiatives have been implemented across government institutions and international organisations to empower women in science fields, 57% of women who graduate from scientific fields do not pursue professional careers in these fields. 

In computer science and engineering, the gender gap keeps enlarging as women make 18% of bachelor’s degrees awarded in these fields. These statistics have gotten worse since 1997 ( 27% of bachelor’s degrees awarded). As an organisation seeking to contribute to sustainable development, it is in our best interest to support women’s empowerment in the sciences. 

The UN Global Compact and the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) of UN Women acknowledged our contribution in advancing gender equality and empowering women in the Gender Equality in African Businesses Best Practices- 2020 Report.

As today marks the critical role women and girls play in science and technology, we celebrate Bewsys’ participation in the fight for gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment in science. As we are ingrained in sustainable development, we understand the role technology plays as a science in progressing the internationally agreed goals. To successfully tackle some of the most significant challenges in sustainable development, such as health and climate change, there is a need to rely on talent in the sciences to optimise technology in solving such problems. Hence we need more women working in these fields. Such diversity will expand the pool of talented researchers, bringing in fresh perspectives, talent, and creativity in problem-solving.

‍
With more women in science, gender inequality will be improved. More women will be economically empowered, closing the gender gap in the world of work and progressing the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.