Dunn School women strike a pose to commemorate International Day for Women and Girls in Science
Women from different walks of science at the Dunn School were united for a common cause last week: to commemorate “International Day for Women and Girls in Science”, celebrated each year on 11th of February. Taking a break from bench and desk work, a large number of women scientists and staff gathered in the Dunn School cafeteria and took part in a group photograph –which is fast becoming an annual tradition within the department.
The photographer for this occasion was Tatjana Terentjava, a member of the Dunn School café, who is also taking a Postgraduate Photography course. Tatiana was highly enthused to be able to capture this moment. Portraying such a heterogeneous group of women scientists and support staff in one snapshot, was a matter of great privilege and honour for this young budding photographer.
Gender equality in science still remains an important issue to be tackled. According to a study conducted in 14 countries, the probability of female students graduating with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or a Doctoral degree in science-related fields, is much lower as compared to their male counterparts. This problem is also highlighted by the very few numbers of women that transition to top positions in academia. In an attempt to increase general awareness as well as achieve full and equal access to participation in science for women and girls, The United Nations General Assembly has declared 11th February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The University of Oxford and the Dunn School of Pathology are actively involved in implementing various schemes and measures to support women in science. One of them happens to be the Athena Swan accreditation scheme, which has been supporting a lot of academic institutions across the UK to engender gender equality.
For more information visit the United Nation’s page on this day: http://www.un.org/en/events/women-and-girls-in-science-day/
Why do we need women and girls in science? Our University of Oxford scientists are here to tell you!
https://medium.com/oxford-university/international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science-d7b2bf1810d1
Written by Sonia Muliyil (@Muliyilsonia)
