As part of the UNESCO Call to Action “Closing the Gender Gap in Science”, the UNESCO Gender Equality in Science team is delighted to invite you to the 3rd series of the UNESCO Action Groups for Women in Science.
These open-ended working groups provide a valuable space to connect, exchange on upcoming UNESCO initiatives under this Call to Action, share good practices and innovative ideas, and identify opportunities for collaboration to advance gender equality in science.
The sessions will take place online (via Zoom) next month and will be held in English. Each Action Group is aligned with the pillars of the Call to Action:
- Action Group for Pillar 3: Fostering inclusive and supportive (work and higher education) environments for women in science Wednesday, 6 May 2026, 4pm – 5.15pm (Paris time) Registration link
Held as a side event in the margins of theSTI Forum 2026 – the United Nations’ annual platform bringing together policymakers, scientists, innovators and civil society to leverage science, technology and innovation (STI) for the SDGs – the session will explore the power of collective action across the STI ecosystem to advance gender equality in science and strengthen inclusive science systems. With a focus on the recently launched UNESCO-OWSD GenSIS project, it will provide a unique opportunity to connect the Call to Action community with the broader global STI community.
- Action Group for Pillars 1 & 2: Dismantling gender stereotypes and opening educational pathways for girls in scienceWednesday, 20 May 2026, 3pm – 4.30pm (Paris time) Registration link
This joint session will address two key priorities: 1) enhancing the visibility of women in science across society, and 2) strengthening education pathways to inspire girls to pursue STEM and promote gender equality among learners and teachers. The objective will be to exchange experiences and collectively identify concrete opportunities to strengthen these efforts.
Please feel free to share this invitation within your networks. These working groups are open to all, and participation is possible upon registration.