BECAUSE WOMEN IN SCIENCE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD

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. Already signed by each guest present at the Ceremony, this Manifesto aims to tackle the under-representation of women in the sciences. It is available onhttp://www.forwomeninscience.com so that everyone can, in turn, support this cause.

A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO EMPOWER WOMEN IN SCIENCE

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: the launch of the For Women in Science Manifesto to raise awareness and mobilize the public’s active support for the cause of women in science.

AN AMBITION EXPRESSED IN A MANIFESTO

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.

“Collective strength is what we want to see emerge tonight from our Manifesto. Beyond the scientific and institutional communities, we want to give everyone the chance to sign the For Women in Science Manifesto and join the cause,“stated Jean-Paul Agon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjQJo9TaPBE

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