By Zoila Palma: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is being observed today under the 2026 theme, “Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls.”
The theme highlights a four-pillar approach that combines artificial intelligence, social science, science and technology, and finance to address widening global inequalities and accelerate inclusive and sustainable development.
According to the United Nations, artificial intelligence offers powerful tools in areas such as health diagnostics, climate modelling and data analysis, but without targeted action, its benefits may fail to reach women and girls.
Social science plays a key role in guiding equitable policies, community engagement and behaviour-change strategies so that AI and STEM innovations reach marginalized groups. STEM disciplines provide the technical skills needed to develop and maintain these systems, while also promoting gender-balanced research teams.
Finance is the fourth pillar, with mechanisms such as impact investing, blended finance and gender-smart funds helping to unlock capital to support women-led innovations and sustainably fund science education and research and development.
When combined, these four sectors can help close gender gaps in digital skills, promote women-driven start-ups, advance gender-responsive AI governance, and mobilise inclusive financial systems.
Despite progress in education, gender disparities remain widespread.
Globally, 46% of young women enroll in higher education within five years of finishing secondary school compared to 40% of men, yet women account for only 35% of science graduates. In 2022, just 31.1% of researchers worldwide were women, and only 22% of professionals in artificial intelligence are female.
Women also make up fewer than 2% of applicants in the quantum sector, and remain largely absent from water-related scientific research, underscoring the need for urgent, coordinated action.
The post International Day of Women and Girls in Science observed with focus on inclusive futures appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is being observed today under the 2026 theme, “Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls.” The theme highlights a four-pillar approach that combines artificial intelligence, social science, science and technology, and finance to address widening
The post International Day of Women and Girls in Science observed with focus on inclusive futures appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
