Director-General's remarks at the Opening of the UNOG photo exhibition “Not a Woman’s Job?: Changing Faces of Science and Tech”

Opening of the UNOG photo exhibition 
“Not a Woman’s Job?: Changing Faces of Science and Tech”

2 July 2024, 10:00-11:00, Mezzanine, E Building, Palais des Nations

Mr. Lamanauskas, [Deputy Secretary-General of ITU]

Ms. Meddahi, [Deputy Director for Accelerators and Technology, CERN]

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to welcome you all today to the Palais des Nations to inaugurate our exhibition “Not a Woman’s Job?: Changing Faces of Science and Tech”.

In 2021, we launched the original “Not a Woman’s Job?” exhibition, to raise awareness about the stereotypes and barriers that women face in various professional fields. Last year, we expanded this dialogue with “Not a Woman’s Job?: Breaking Barriers in Sports”, highlighting the achievements of women in sports. Today, we want to take another step forward, to honor women who are leading the way in the field of science and technology.

Science and technology are at the heart of human advancement, driving progress and shaping our future. Yet women in these fields still encounter substantial challenges. Wage disparities, limited access to leadership roles, and a scarcity of opportunities are just a few of the obstacles that women still face.

The photographs you will see today tell powerful stories. They depict women who are redefining what it means to be a scientist, a technologist, an innovator. These women come from extremely diverse backgrounds and from every continent and culture, spanning the globe from east to west, and showcasing the incredible range of talent and perspectives in these fields.

Let me take a moment to acknowledge and thank the 45 Permanent Missions that have contributed to this exhibition, some of them for the third year in a row. I am also deeply grateful to our two key partners, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), for joining us in this year’s exhibition with their remarkably beautiful contributions. Lastly, but with special emphasis, I would like to also extend my gratitude to the extraordinary women depicted in the photos who are here with us today. Thank you for inspiring us with your presence and achievements.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we discover the exhibition, I invite you to engage, reflect, and be inspired to act. Each story here is a call to challenge the status quo, to mentor and support the next generation of female scientists and technologists, and to create policies that ensure equal opportunities for all.

It is essential to recognize the systemic changes needed to support these remarkable women. As Secretary-General António Guterres recently stated, “Today, women make up only one-third of the global scientific community, obtaining less funding, fewer publishing opportunities and fewer senior positions at top universities than men”. To tackle gender inequalities, we need to break down stereotypes, highlight role models, and create initiatives that support women’s advancement in science. This includes creating work environments that nurture women’s talents, especially those from minority groups. Policies that promote equal pay, provide mentorship opportunities, and ensure equal access to education and resources are critical. We must work together, governments, organizations, and individuals, to dismantle the barriers that limit women’s full participation in science and technology.

Imagine a world where every young girl sees herself in these photographs and believes that she, too, can be an innovator, a leader, a change-maker. This is the future we need to build together: one where talent and ambition are not defined by gender but by the limitless possibilities of each one of us.

The journey to true equality is challenging, but with each step, each breakthrough, and each story celebrated here today, we hope to inspire people and move closer to a world where everyone’s contributions are valued and recognized. Together, we can build a future where diversity is seen as a source of strength and innovation. Let us commit to this journey, and ensure that every action we take brings us closer to a more just and inclusive society for all.

In closing, I would like to announce that next year, our exhibition will focus on “Women in Multilateralism”. This theme will highlight the roles women play in fostering international cooperation and shaping the policies that guide our collective future. We look forward to your contributions to this new exhibition. 

Thank you for your support and for being here today. Let us celebrate the changing faces of science and technology, and let us look forward to a future where innovation knows no gender.

Thank you.