The United Nations General Assembly has designated 11 February as International Day of Women and Girls in Science to raise awareness of the importance of women's full and equal participation in all areas of science, and to promote the elimination of discrimination and the overcoming of legal, economic, social and cultural barriers that still hinder women's access to careers in science.
Particular emphasis is placed on developing inclusive policies and programmes to increase the participation of women and girls, promote their career advancement, and recognise and properly value their achievements.
Slovenia has a strong knowledge base and a consistently high proportion of women graduates and PhDs. 37% of women researchers work in research and development, which puts Slovenia above the EU average. Over the last decade, the proportion of women in senior academic positions has also increased; today, 43% of women are associate professors and 37% full professors (source: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, 2024/2025). However, gender segregation in employment and other social and cultural patterns still mean that women progress more slowly, often earn less than men, and their contribution to science is less recognised and less often rewarded.
Equal Opportunities in Science Commission survey
A survey by the Equal Opportunities Commission for Science at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation found that the key barriers to career development for women are mainly systemic and organisational. Overloaded administrative and non-scientific work, difficulties in reconciling work and private life and limited access to continuing professional development significantly reduce career progression opportunities, with women being particularly affected.
According to the majority of respondents, discrimination in Slovenian science is persistent and multifaceted. The existence of gender-based discrimination is recognised by 36% of the researchers surveyed. In order to effectively reduce discrimination in the research environment, female and male researchers point to legislation or regulations (39%) that introduce institutional and systemic changes and ensure mandatory respect for equal opportunities as the most effective measure. One such measure is the condition of implementation of the Gender Equality Plan in Research and Educational Institutions, which brings additional training and activities and promotes gender equality and provides equal opportunities.
»At the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, we are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all researchers through our gender equality policy and support for institutions.. We place particular emphasis on creating an inclusive research environment, promoting women in leadership roles and removing structural barriers that limit their scientific potential. In doing so, we are continuing our efforts to permanently remove barriers and create an environment where the scientific potential of all can be fully realised,« said Dr Igor Papič, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
On this day, we would like to express our sincere support and appreciation to all women researchers, girls and young scientists. Your ideas, your creativity and your efforts shape the world we will live in. Keep exploring, keep asking questions and keep pushing boundaries!
Source: https://www.gov.si/novice/2026-02-10-mednarodni-dan-zensk-in-deklet-v-znanosti/
