The article highlights the significance of inclusivity in the sciences, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence, which is transforming economies and daily life. On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the piece stresses that real innovation can only occur if women are equally represented in scientific and technological fields. It addresses the ongoing disparities and reminds readers that progress can only be achieved through conscious efforts to include more women in science.

It references the 2025 Human Development Report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which identifies this inclusion as a choice between expanding capabilities with AI or exacerbating existing inequalities. Despite an increase in female participation in higher education, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles within scientific and technological sectors. The article cites statistics indicating that only 35% of graduates in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields are women, and women hold merely 20-25% of technology jobs.

The implications of these findings suggest that if the trend continues unchallenged, advancements in AI and technology may further entrench gender disparities rather than alleviate them. The call to action is clear: to forge a more equitable future in science, intentional strategies must be developed to recruit, support, and promote women in these fields, ensuring a balanced representation that can lead to innovative outcomes for all.