From Pipettes to Peace: Honouring Women in Science, November 9–15

This week, from November 9 to 15, the world observes the International Week of Science and Peace (IWSP). Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1986, this initiative underscores the essential link between scientific progress and the maintenance of peace and security - promoting international cooperation and the sharing of scientific knowledge to address global challenges (United Nations, n.d.).

An examination of contemporary statistics reveals that knowledge production and scientific leadership continue to be disproportionately dominated by men and individuals from historically privileged groups worldwide. From a feminist and equity-oriented standpoint, this persistent underrepresentation underscores a fundamental concern: when substantial segments of the population are systematically excluded from scientific participation, the generation, dissemination, and governance of knowledge remain asymmetrically concentrated (UNESCO, 2025). Therefore, the International Week of Science and Peace transcends the mere celebration of scientific achievements; it represents a pivotal moment to advocate for a scientific enterprise that equitably serves all members of humanity, rather than a select and privileged few.

Conducting research, setting priorities, and crafting knowledge shape the solutions science produces. Yet, the global statistics remain stark: women make up only about one-third of researchers worldwide, hold roughly 22% of STEM jobs in G20 countries, and occupy just 12% of national science academy memberships (UNESCO, 2025). Even as women earn more than a third of STEM degrees globally, systemic barriers - such as unequal access to leadership roles, wage gaps, and biases in research funding - continue to prevent equitable participation in the scientific enterprise (UNESCO, 2025).

Indeed, research demonstrates that women have historically been excluded or inadequately represented in foundational studies. As of 2019, women comprised only around 40% of participants in clinical trials for major diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and psychiatric disorders, despite making up approximately 51% of the U.S. population (AAMC, 2024). These numbers are far from abstract. When large segments of the population are underrepresented in scientific research and leadership, the questions posed, the methods adopted, and the policies informed by science can systematically overlook the health needs and lived realities of women and other marginalized groups. Peace cannot be achieved while knowledge itself is unequally distributed; the two are deeply interdependent.

Viewed in this light, the IWSP is not merely a global event - it is a critical moment to examine how knowledge, as a foundational form of power, is produced, governed, and maintained worldwide (UNESCO, n.d.). International cooperation and the sharing of knowledge are foundational to both peace and progress, but for science to truly contribute to a better world, it must be inclusive. This means empowering women with the opportunity to lead research, influence policy, and shape the scientific questions of tomorrow.

Honouring November 9–15 highlights the inextricable link between science and peace - flourishing only when knowledge is accessible to all. Empowering and elevating the contributions of women in science is a crucial step toward a future where innovation, equity, and global harmony may coexist.

The UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers provides an ethical charter for global scientific practice, outlining necessary goals and value systems for science and global collaboration (UNESCO, n.d.). Two principles emerge through the lens of feminism:

Respect for Human Rights: The UNESCO Recommendation explicitly outlines principles for responsible conduct in science, emphasizing the fundamental need to respect and uphold human rights. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is notably the presence of justice and equity. True peace cannot be maintained while a majority of the global population faces systemic oppression, exclusion from education, or inadequate healthcare solutions. Currently, this is the reality for women. Therefore, science that fails to uphold human rights is science that fails its ethical mandate in peace promotion (UNESCO, n.d.).

Transparency and Accountability: In addition, the UNESCO Recommendation emphasizes transparency and accountability. Historically, scientific and research communities have often been structures of privilege, limiting access and control. Feminist advocacy requires that scientific outcomes and data be transparent to challenge biases, ensure equitable resource allocation, and hold decision-makers accountable for solutions that affect women’s lives globally (UNESCO, 2025).

Open data initiatives exemplify how transparency can democratize science. When scientific data - particularly on vital issues like women’s reproductive health - is kept proprietary, behind paywalls, it disproportionately hinders researchers, activists, and policymakers in developing nations (many of whom are women) working for solutions in their communities. Access to open data breaks down institutional and economic barriers, ensuring that knowledge is shared globally to address pressing challenges.

The International Week of Science and Peace encourages international cooperation and robust knowledge sharing. We must recognize the transformative power of science in building a better future - one that can only be realized if science is truly equitable. By advocating for the responsible use of scientific knowledge and demanding that all research adhere to principles of human rights, we may contribute to a more peaceful world supported by science, where every woman has the right to access and contribute to the knowledge that shapes their life (UNESCO, 2025). Allowing marginalized voices to access and interpret information to build local solutions, transforming women from passive recipients of aid into active, informed agents of change (UNESCO, n.d.).

Works Cited

AAMC. (2024, March 26). Why we know so little about women’s health https://www.aamc.org/news/why-we-know-so-little-about-women-s-health

United Nations. (n.d.). International Day of Women and Girls in Science. https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day

UNESCO. (2025.). Open science. https://www.unesco.org/en/open-science