President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca expressed her concern over the fact that women and girls are still facing discrimination in achieving science-related professions.

In her video message on the occasion of the first UN day for Women and Girls in Science, the President praised the initiative as it provides an occasion for countries to come together and champion the need of women participating in this sector.

While feeling proud of Malta’s role in proposing this resolution, she mentioned how statistics published by the European Commission show that women are still vastly unrepresented in positions of influence.

“The pursuit of intersectional gender equality is central to my Presidency”, ColeiroPreca said.

She called on world leader to encourage the dismantling of gender barriers on a global level.

“Disparity between genders in various professions still persists. We must create the knowledge to influence the social and environmental challenges we face today.”

The President said it is very alarming that women and girls still suffer discrimination in science-related professions.

She mentioned how statistics showed that only 1% of women with disability around the globe are literate and insisted that most women are still largely under-valued in this sector.

“While I acknowledge the initiatives taken by the UN and UNESCO, I believe that it is our duty to create the right vehicles for action to address this issue.”

Young girls must see women being valued and celebrated for their contribution to society, she added.

She concluded by auguring the UN as it helps to provide an effective contribution to this goal.