From dialogue to action: advancing women and girls in STEM across the G20: deliverable 3.4 G20-UNESCO side events: women and girls in science

Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – along with key partners – convened two side events celebrating Women & Girls in Science. These gatherings formed part of the activities of the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG), contributing to its outcomes under Priority 3: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Science, Technology, and Innovation. The events created space for dialogue, action, and inspiration to address the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and build inclusive innovation ecosystems. On 25 February 2025, the first side event, titled Shaping a Brighter Future for Women and Girls in Science, was hosted in Bloemfontein (Mangaung) at the University of the Free State. The event brought together high-level policymakers, international organisations (such as UNESCO and the European Commission), celebrated scientists (such as Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim), researchers, educators, government representatives, industry experts and inspiring young scientists. Speakers and panellists reflected on the persistent barriers that influence women’s underrepresentation in STEM education and leadership. The event celebrated role models, shared personal journeys, and highlighted the importance of early engagement in science to inspire the next generation. Seven months later, the conversation moved from dialogue to action in Pretoria (Tshwane) at the Closing the Gender Gap in Science, Technology and Innovation side event. Convened at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre on 20 September 2025, this event sharpened the focus on solutions, policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and systemic changes needed to accelerate women’s participation and leadership across the STEM and innovation ecosystem. Esteemed women from around the world joined the panel discussions, shared their personal journeys and expertise in STEM, and offered powerful insights into what it takes to create lasting change. Together, these two events underscored the G20’s commitment to empowering women and girls in science as not only a matter of fairness but also a driver of innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth for all.