Gender Issues in Field Research

Risks and challenges for women doing field research was the topic of a workshop organized on 27 April 2016 in Mexico City by the International Council of Science (ICSU), through its Committee of Freedom and Responsibility in Research (CFRS).

“This is a very relevant topic since gender issues prevent women’s full participation in science research,” said Leiv K. Sydnes, Chair of CFRS. He reminded participants that today’s scientific challenges are unprecedented, including climate change and potential pandemics, and that “all the talent that we can possibly get to resolve this issues and pave the way to a sustainable future is needed; it is crucial to support women in science”.

According to UNESCO statistics, women represent 53% of science graduates, however only 28% of all researchers in the world are women. Dr. Erika Pani Bano, General Secretary of the Mexican Academy of Sciences added that it is necessary to achieve transformations that guarantee gender equity in every field, including science.

The aim of the workshop was to prepare an Advisory Note about the topic to be circulated through ICSU members in order to sensitize the scientific community about gender equity. The workshop was organized with the support of the Mexican Academy of Sciences (MAS) and the ICSU Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC). The workshop was followed by a two-day meeting of ICSU CFRS during which Leiv K. Sydnes signed the UNESCO & L’Oreal Women in Science Manifesto in representation of CFRS/ICSU; Sydnes encourages everyone to sign the Manisfesto (online @ http://fondationloreal.com/categories/for-women-in-science/lang/en)

For more details about the workshop, including speakers biographies and abstracts

see www.icsu.org/news-centre/news/top-news/icsu-cfrs-workshop-on-gender-issues-in-field-research