Today, the world observes International Day of Women and Girls in Science under the theme: “Equality and Parity in Science for Peace and Development”. In keeping with this observations, countries all across the globe are holding seminars, shows, outreaches and other events in order to rally behind bringing the theme to fruition.

On February 8-9, the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), the Government of the Republic of Malta, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and a number of other Missions and organisations hosted a two-day forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to address key issues relating to the theme, including a review of relevant United Nations plans and programmes of action pertaining to the situation of Science, Technology and Innovation; Understanding Equality and Parity in Science through capacity building, cooperation and data governance (gap in statistics, data to address policy concern, stakeholder coordination, data sharing/exchange, etc.) among others.

In keeping with this international observance, this week’s Pepperpot brings you stories looking at how women see their own role in the area of science, how Indigenous women contribute to scientific practices, considerations that should be made for underprivileged women in healthcare and other stories. As the world strives toward eradicating gender inequality, it is important that we remain informed about the concerns of women and girls and seek ways in which changes can be made, if equality is to be achieved.