03/23/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/24/2023 01:49
Science is many things: a study of natural, physical and social phenomena; a process to test hypotheses and draw conclusions; a journey of discovery to understand the world's many mysteries. But what science should be is equitable, diverse and inclusive. It should be for all and open to all, especially women.
Globally and in Cambodia, UNESCO works to address these gender stereotypes and prejudices, which are deeply rooted in our societies and prevent women and girls from pursuing in scientific and technological studies.
According to UNESCO Institute of Statistics, in higher education, women represent just over 35 per cent of graduates in STEM-related fields.
Since 2021, Ms. Seakguech Sok has been working as an Environmental Analyst with the Natural Sciences Unit of UNESCO Phnom Penh Office, to strengthen the coordination around the Tonle Sap Bioshere Reserve to preserve its resources and promote livelihoods development.
As a graduate from Beloit College, Wisconsin, USA with a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Environmental Biology, Guech is passionate about conserving native plants and biodiversity in Cambodia. She is also a recipient of the prestigious SHE-CAN scholarship, awarded to young women with promising leadership potential.
UNESCO is working to foster environments that encourage girls and women to study scientific topics, as we believe empowering girls and young women with the same access for training in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is the key to closing the gap on the digital divide.
Sreykhouch is one of the graduates from UNESCO's Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP) who is now pursuing her technical and vocational certificate in automotive mechanics. Even though she is just one of three female students in her class, she does not let it deter her.
Sopheany Prum is a teacher educator at Preah Vihear Provincial Teacher Training Centre specialising in developing the knowledge and skills of future primary school teachers in science. In 2020, when she first learned about a new Bachelor of Education programme developed with UNESCO's support, she decided to enrol in the programme so that she can specialise in teaching science and become a better science teacher educator.
Now, Sopheany specialises in four different science subjects - biology, chemistry, physics and earth science.
Female role models in STEM fields like Sopheany are important for inspiring more women and girls in Cambodia to take part in STEM and reduce the gender gap in STEM careers and education, and supporting the next generation of women engineers, mathematicians and scientists!
According to the latest UNESCO Science Report, today, just one in three researchers is a woman.
Dr. Danet Hak (pictured below) holds a PhD in Mechanical and Environmental Informatics and is the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, her message is clear: we must support women and girls to grow in STEM.
Dr. Nallis Kry, who holds a PhD in Materials Engineering, is Deputy Director General of the General Department of Science, Technology and Innovation at Cambodia's Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation. The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields can reach new heights by fostering the increased participation of women like Dr. Kry.
UNESCO seeks to break down stereotypes, by raising awareness of women scientists who are blazing new trails. As role models, they are examples for young women and girls to follow - underlining that they too can achieve excellence. Only by tapping into all sources of knowledge, all sources of talent, can we unlock the full potential of science, and rise to the challenges of our time.