Tackling issues of gender inequality in science requires an interdisciplinary effort, where actors from various fields of study, and areas of work, such as policy, civil society, media, and the private sector need to come together and deliberate. As the year comes to an end, we organized our first #firesidechat with representatives from academia, civil society, media, and the private sector, to discuss the future of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving gender equality in science. With a keynote speech by Ambassador Elsa Håstad in Albania, the discussion will fuel the 2022 work plan of SCiDEV’s Network of Albanian Women in STEM to strengthen its work in increasing representation of Albanian Women in STEM, as well as it will serve as a networking event between the participating women. The #firesidechat was organized on 20th December and hosted at the premises of SCIDEV.
Does gender equality lead to more women in STEM in academia and industry? A question to challenge our assumptions, to deliberate and reflect on future initiatives regarding the position of women in science and aim at their social and economic empowerment. It is crucial to strengthen the collaboration among academia, policy, civil society, media, and the private sector for research with impact, innovation, and empowerment of women in science. Changing cultural norms and stereotypes is not easy, but it is possible through joint efforts, promotion, awareness-raising and education, activism, and advocacy.
Learn more about the Network of Albanian Women in STEM.

SCiDEV is also a member of the Regional Network of Women in STEM, set up by the Regional Cooperation Council and UNDP in 2021.