Lahore, 13 February 2019: Speakers at the National Dialogue on Women in Science unanimously stressed the need to rapid increase in the opportunities and participation of women and girls in science if the country wanted to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. UNESCO in partnership with UNWOMEN, Pakistan Alliance for Maths and Science and Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) organized this two-day National Dialogue on Women in Science concluded late Tuesday (February 12) here at LCWU Campus.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring this day, to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

The overall objective of the dialogue was to exchange experiences on how to achieve Gender Equality in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and contribute to progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which says, “Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.”

Officials and representatives of different departments of the government, UNESCO, UNWOMEN, Pakistan Alliance for Maths and Science, LCWU and representatives from academia, corporate and development sector, civil society organizations and students participated in the event.