International Day of Women and Girls in Science

SLOVENIA, February 10 - Particular emphasis is placed on the development of inclusive policies and programmes aimed at increasing the participation of women and girls, promoting their career advancement, and recognising and appropriately valuing their achievements.

Slovenia has a strong knowledge base and consistently high proportions of women among university graduates and holders of doctoral degrees. In the field of research and development, women account for 37 per cent of researchers, placing Slovenia above the European Union average. Over the past decade, the proportion of women in senior academic positions has also increased; women now account for 43 per cent of associate professors and 37 per cent of full professors (Source: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, 2024/2025). Despite this, gender segregation in employment and other social and cultural patterns continue to affect women’s career progression. Women often advance more slowly, frequently earn less than men, and their contribution to science is less recognised and less often rewarded.

A survey by the Commission for Equal Opportunities in Science at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation found that the key obstacles to women’s career development are primarily systemic and organisational. An excessive burden of administrative and non-scientific work, difficulties in balancing work and private life, and limited access to continuous professional development significantly reduce opportunities for career advancement, with women being particularly affected.

According to the majority of respondents, discrimination in Slovenian science remains persistent and multifaceted. Thirty-six per cent of respondents recognise the existence of gender discrimination. In terms of effectively reducing discrimination in the research environment, researchers identified legislation or regulatory measures (39 per cent) as the most effective instrument, as these introduce institutional and systemic changes and ensure mandatory compliance with equal opportunities principles. One such measure is the requirement to implement a Gender Equality Plan in research and educational institutions, which provides additional training and activities, promotes gender equality and enables equal opportunities.

"At the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, we are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all women and men researchers through gender equality policies and support for institutions. Particular emphasis is placed on creating an inclusive research environment, encouraging women in leadership roles and removing structural barriers that limit their scientific potential. In doing so, we are continuing our efforts to permanently eliminate obstacles and to create an environment in which the scientific potential of all can be fully realised," said the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Igor Papič, on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

On this day, we express our sincere support and recognition to all women researchers, girls and young women scientists. Your ideas, your creativity and your dedication are shaping the world in which we will live. Continue exploring, asking questions and pushing boundaries.