Bringing International Women in Science Day to Copestone

International Women in Science Day recognises the critical role women play in science and technology. 

It was the year 1918 when women were allowed to vote. Only some women mind you: women over the age of 30 and who met a property qualification. Now over a century later, the campaign for equal rights has come a long way, but we mustn’t forget that, even though we may have come far in women’s equal rights, women are still being paid less on average than men. Woman also remain underrepresented in government, and many female entrepreneurs receive less funding. However, there are activities and advocates who are currently striving to help bridge this gender gap, and to support women in the career they wish to pursue.

Gaps in Science

February 11th is International Women in Science Day. It was first held in 2015 at the United Nations Headquarters, with the participation of government ministers and representatives. Most of the distinguished guests and speakers, whether ministerial, intergovernmental, diplomatic, or academic were women in science.

The gender gap in science still holds women back. According to UNESCO’s forthcoming Science Report, only 33% of researchers are women, despite the fact that they represent 45 and 55% of students at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels of study respectively. And though women make up 70% of health and social carers currently in the workforce, they are still paid 11% less than their male counterparts.

The idea for an International Day for Women in Science was generated during the start of World Women’s Health and Development Forum organised by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT). Since then, they have not only recognised the benefits of encouraging women to pursue a career in science but have also made a significant impact on campaigns and the movement in equality, diversity, education and women’s rights.

Science outside the lab

When we think of ‘scientists’, many may think of people in white lab coats, experimenting with colourful chemicals and Bunsen burners. But in fact, science comes in many forms, and with over 50 categories from computer science to zoology, the spectrum is wider than one may think.  

Jane Goodall, the most famous primate scientist in history, is renowned for her work with chimpanzees and as a champion of animal rights. And Goodall wasn’t working in a lab; her method was to climb trees and mimic the behaviour of chimps in Tanzania to gain their trust and study them in their natural habitat. She is now 87 and has written several books about her career.

Tiera Guinn, only 21 years of age, is already a rocket scientist and an inspiration. Tiera, who hasn’t yet graduated, is helping build a rocket for NASA that could be one of the biggest and most powerful ever made. She’s an aerospace major with a 5.0 GPA who also worked as a Rocket Structural Design and Analysis Engineer for the Space Launch System that aerospace company Boeing is building for NASA.

So, with a broad spectrum of female scientists past and present working in the industry, the global science community is working towards closing the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In the past fifteen years, there has been an ongoing effort to promote and inspire women and girls to participate in STEM fields.

Copestone love STEM

As a marketing and content agency, Copestone aren’t just forward-thinking when it comes to content, these values are reflected in our team too. We are diverse, self-aware, and imaginative. Look beyond our creative and academic minds and you’ll find a team who value all clients’ background and industries.

Copestone deliver the content strategies, marketing and copy for several clients who happen to be women in the world of STEM. From the chemistry in foods to the mechanics in engineering, we are continuously learning from inspiring women who are operating in – dare we say it – male dominated industries.

With International Women’s Day less than a month away, it is more important than ever to recognise women’s contributions in STEM, to smash stereotypes and defeat discrimination against women. And let’s not forget, International Women’s Day on March 8th, a day celebrated globally which has helped many women since it began in 1975, which we can delve into closer to the time.  

Copestone strives to deliver solutions for any female (or male) entrepreneur or business owner in the quest to further their desired career, whether that be science or otherwise.

If you are involved in a business that celebrates women working in science, or if this is a subject close to your heart, contact us today. We are here to work closely with you to develop your content, marketing, and campaign plans, face-to-face or virtually.

If you need support to write engaging, audience-driven content for your B2B brand or agency, contact Copestone today.