The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (‘The Ocean Decade’), launched in January 2021 and aims to develop the Science We Need for the Ocean We Want. To do this, the Ocean Decade will need to cut across genders, geographies, cultures, and generations to ensure all members of society are working together in a transformational, large-scale, and innovative campaign to advance, accelerate, and mainstream ocean science in policies and decision-making processes.

The 2nd Global Ocean Science Report (GOSR2020) revealed that women in ocean science continue to be underrepresented, particularly in the highly technical and decision-making categories. Women represent about 7% to 72% of all ocean science personnel (i.e. researchers, technicians, and supporting staff) depending on the country, with the global average at 37%. However, women comprise ≥ 50% of ocean science personnel in countries such as Angola, Bulgaria, Croatia, El Salvador, Ireland, Poland and Turkey which demonstrates that the challenge of gender equity can be effectively addressed. 

Building on UNESCO’s efforts to advance gender equity and previous related discussions held as part of the Ocean Decade Virtual Series, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, jointly with L’Oréal Canada and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, will host a virtual event titled “Making waves for ocean science: Empowering Women Leaders in the Ocean Decade” (March 8, 2021 at 16:00-17:15 CET). 

This event is being held to celebrate the 2021 International Women’s Day in the context of the Ocean Decade.

The discussion will focus on the positive impacts of empowering women in ocean science, highlight good practices and principles to help advance gender equity, and provide recommendations to inspire, enable, and support women to achieve and thrive in ocean science leadership positions. 

• REGISTRATION

Please click here to register: 
https://tryglobal.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rUQvzNjhSoCYNuN4DNUVGA

• PROGRAMME

This information will soon be available.