Trivia time! How many women in science do you know? And what about women inventors? Have you ever come across the name Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer?

Innovation, private sector, and gender are three words commonly used when we are talking about business in the private sector, with a sustainable development approach. There is a glaring underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) careers, across the world.  

As we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it is important to note that fewer than 30% of researchers are women.

My work with the Montreal Protocol/Chemicals Unit of UNDP, includes engaging with the private sector, to transform their cooling/chiller equipment production lines to ‘non-Ozone Depleting and low Global Warming Potential (GWP)’ alternative technologies. As our recent report on Gender Analysis and Gender Action Plan shows, it has been hard to track gender in this sector. Indeed, the contribution of women is either overlooked or assumed non-existent.

It is well known that achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) will require STEM skills, but also social science skills such as economics, organizational psychology, and more. For this, an “all hands-on-deck” approach must be considered, pulling together a wide range of skill sets.

The Next Einstein Forum (NEF), Africa’s global forum for science in Africa,  puts it best: ““A state that does not educate and train women is like a man who only trains his right arm.” Equal access to opportunities in STEM for women translates in bringing more of the neglected half of the global population to innovate for a greater good."

Even though more women are attaining higher education, this is not translating into higher participation in the workplace. A recent report on Women in Science cites some concerning statistics using the Latin American context, one of the best regions for women in science.  There women make up 60% of tertiary graduates - surpassing all other regions worldwide – but when it comes to STEM disciplines this percentage drops to 36. Compounding the problem is the under-representation of women in STEM leadership.

One exception is China’s Moon Tech operation, which I have been lucky to visit.  There you see proof of the cadre of female inventors and engineers from across the world who have contributed to creating technology used in everyone’s home. Moon Tech’s Deputy Chief Engineer is Jiang Shaoming, responsible for developing the innovative and low GWP technology on the refrigeration system. 

It is inspiring to hear her talk about her work. “I’m passionate about promoting safety, environmental conservation, and energy efficiency in this industry. This is why I’ve invested so much time and effort into the design of this refrigeration system,” she says.

A Climate Hero in China

Women like Jiang Shaoming represent the continuity of the brilliant work done by other inspiring women throughout history. Women such as Lillian Moller Gilbreth, a multi-role woman, who contributed as an eminent industrial psychologist, engineer, and inventor whilst taking care of her household with twelve children!

Also, we are all beginning to learn of all the women of colour who have contributed to space and military programs. Katherine Johnson (made famous through the movie Hidden Figures) had a central role in calculating key trajectories for Alan Shepard, the first American in space, and for the Apollo 11 flight to the moon in 1969.  These are a few examples, but there are countless others, unrecognized or underrecognized who have made invaluable contributions.

Ensuring equal opportunity for women in innovation and technology is not simply a matter of fairness. It is imperative to the survival of this planet, and everything on it.

Words: Christine Wellington-Moore, UNDP Regional Programme Advisor, Montreal Protocol/Chemicals Unit

Originally published in the Gender Equality Dispatch Vol.3

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