ISLAMABAD: The National Skills University Islamabad celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024, honoring their invaluable contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students, faculty, and employees came together to highlight the importance of recognizing and empowering women in the scientific community.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed annually on 11 February to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and girls in various scientific disciplines. The year 2024 theme for this day is “Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability,”
Faculty, students, and employees actively participated in the celebration ceremony to raise awareness about the challenges women and girls face in pursuing careers in science. One of the key issues addressed during the celebration was the existing gender disparity in the field of research. Globally, the average percentage of female researchers is a mere 33.3%, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to bridge this gap. Additionally, statistics reveal that only 35% of all students in STEM-related fields of study are women, emphasizing the importance of breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment.
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National Skills University Islamabad, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, emphasized the university’s commitment to promoting diversity and equality within its academic community. “The International Day of Women and Girls in Science reminds us of women’s untapped potential and talent in the scientific landscape. He said that as a founding vice chancellor, his team significantly contributed to successfully creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive in STEM and scientific research contributions.
The celebration at National Skills University Islamabad concluded with a commitment to continue fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls pursuing careers in science. The university remains steadfast in its dedication to breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and empowering the next generation of female technologists and scientists.