UN to survey gender sensitivity of science policies

A series of case studies highlighting best practice in gender equality policies in science, technology and innovation  will soon be published by The Commission on Science and Technology (CSTD), in collaboration with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The goal is to promote more effective STI policies, by taking a greater account of women in development.  The survey's results will provide a platform for discussion within the CSTD. They will also provide an input for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), when it meets in 2014 to discuss issues of gender, STI and development.  The survey follows a report, 'Applying a Gender Lens to Science, Technology and Innovation' — published by the UNCTAD, in November 2011 — which concluded that applying a gender perspective when analysing, designing, implementing and monitoring STI policies was critical to successful development. According to Shirley Malcom, head of education at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS),  getting STI policymakers to embrace gender issues is essential in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Link to full report available here.