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Excellencies, esteemed colleagues, and, most importantly, the extraordinary women who have dedicated their lives to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—even beyond our world,

As we gather to celebrate the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, we are reminded that gender inequality is pervasive.

To tackle this challenge, I would like to highlight three key points.

First, the leaky pipeline effect. The data is clear: Despite girls and young women making up the majority of science graduates at bachelor's and master's levels, a significant gap emerges as they progress in their academic careers.   

On this day, we are releasing the latest She Figures report -- a EU report assessing the state of gender equality in research and innovation. The report sheds light on the persistent challenges that drive the gender gap including the fact that women leave these career paths due to insurmountable barriers that hinder their progression.

The second element I would like to stress is the importance of diversity. Diversity is essential to achieving excellent research and addressing pressing societal challenges. We need the best minds in the world to work together. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives and life experiences, fuelling the creation of more inclusive and effective solutions that benefit everyone.

Third, the need for cultural and institutional change. We can all break down traditional gender stereotypes and structural barriers with inspiring role models, coaching and mentorship opportunities, targeted initiatives.

Decision-makers in educational institutions and research and innovation organizations have a responsibility to create a gender-equal, safe, and inclusive organizational culture, where the needs of diverse people in different life circumstances are met.

Joining this effort, the EU is actively promoting gender equality in Research & Innovation through various initiatives.

One of our key instruments to drive institutional change in research and innovation organisations are the Gender Equality Plans. With such a Plan in place, we publicly commit to improve gender equality for achieving gender balance in leadership and decision making, improving career prospects, or establishing measures against gender-based violence.

Further, to drive much needed structural changes, we now require that all applying higher education institutions, research organizations, and public bodies have a Gender Equality Plan in place to be eligible for Horizon Europe funding — a strong requirement that has the potential to be a game changer and improve the situation for women across the EU and beyond.

Institutions that embody inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities can win a Horizon Europe Prize and become part of a community of EU Gender Equality Champions creating a community who inspire other academic and research organisations to become champions themselves.

Lastly, we fund projects under Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ to integrate arts and social sciences into STEM education. With the STE(A)M education approach, students are not only equipped with key STEM competences, but also with creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These are essential for tackling today's complex challenges.

I thank Poland and the United Nations Spotlight Initiative for bringing together a group of women who, despite overcoming significant barriers to success in STEM, continue to inspire girls all over the world.