UNESCO announced the global launch of the For Girls in Science programme at the 27th L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards.
© UNESCO/Marie ETCHEGOYEN
A global step for girls in science
“Alongside the Fondation L’Oréal, we have been supporting women scientists for almost thirty years. Today, we are entering a new chapter,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO at the 27th L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, which took place on 12 June 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
On top of honouring five leading women scientists for their exceptional contributions to physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science, the ceremony also marked the announcement of the international expansion of the For Girls in Science programme, launched by the Fondation L’Oréal and soon supported globally by UNESCO. This initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of women scientists and combat the underrepresentation of women in scientific fields.
“Our aim is to provide awareness-raising, training and guidance towards scientific paths for almost 5 million students and teachers from over 10,000 UNESCO Associated Schools by 2030.”
Audrey Azoulay
Director-General of UNESCOsep
Reaching school-age students is essential to countering long-standing misconceptions that portray science as too difficult, monotonous or elitist. By mobilizing a network of inspiring women scientists as role models, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO will engage directly with students, from middle school to high school. These interactions aim to reshape perceptions, build confidence, and show that science is a space where girls not only belong but can lead and thrive.
Through the implementation of this programme, nearly 5 million young people across 180 countries are expected to be reached by 2030. Combining teacher training, inclusive learning tools, and female scientific role models, the programme will help shift mindsets and empower girls to pursue careers in science.
Closing the gender gap in science by inspiring the next generation
This expanded partnership reflects UNESCO’s broader mission to promote gender equality in science. It builds on the UNESCO Call to Action “Closing the Gender Gap in Science” launched in February 2024, which is structured around three main pillars:
- Dismantling gender stereotypes and biases in science by enhancing the visibility of female role models
- Opening educational pathways for girls in science through education
- Creating inclusive work environments that attract, retain, and advance women scientists through targeted policies and actions
As highlighted in a recent UNESCO factsheet, there are half as many female researchers as male researchers, and although more women than men enrol in university, they ultimately represent only 35% of science graduates. By empowering girls from an early age, the For Girls in Science programme directly supports these objectives and contributes to building a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable scientific future.
“We are delighted with the international reach, and therefore the major impact, that this wonderful programme will have thanks to the support of UNESCO.”
Jean-Paul Agon
President of L’Oréal and the Fondation L’Oréal