A Manifesto to Defend the Role of Women in Science

Because women in science have the power to change the world, the L’Oreal Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have launched a Manifesto to tackle the under-representation of women in the sciences.

Five leading women scientists and 15 promising young researchers were honoured last night at the Sorbonne University in Paris. Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO and Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and CEO of L’Oréal and Chairman of the L’Oréal Foundation, took the opportunity to launch the For Women in Science Manifesto.

For the past 18 years, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program has encouraged, promoted and honoured women scientists all over the world. This year, the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO are taking the next step towards change by raising awareness and mobilising the public’s active support for the cause of women in science.

Jean-Paul Agon, Irina Bokova, and this year’s President of the Jury, former Laureate and Nobel Prize winner Elizabeth Blackburn, all signed the Manifesto, along with the Laureates, International Rising Talents and 800 guests in attendance to ensure the visibility and public support necessary, so that everyone involved can work together towards gender equality in the sciences.

THE 6 COMMITMENTS OF THE #FORWOMENINSCIENCE MANIFESTO

1. Encourage girls to explore scientific career paths.

2. Break down the barriers that prevent women scientists from pursuing long term careers in research.

3. Prioritise women’s access to senior positions and leadership positions in the sciences.

4. Celebrate with the general public the contribution that women scientists make to scientific progress and to society.

5. Ensure gender equality through participation and leadership in symposiums and scientific commissions, such as conferences, committees and board meetings.

6. Promote mentoring and networking for young scientists to enable them to plan and develop careers that meet their expectations.

You can show your support by signing the For Women in Science Manifesto here.

For more information about Women in Science visit the website: www.forwomeninscience.com