Artikkelit

20.02.2025

Empowering Women in Science: Finland and Global Partners Mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science at Johns Hopkins University in Washington DC

On February 10th, 2025, the Embassy of Finland to the United States co-hosted an event at the Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg Center near Capitol Hill to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Part of the global Team Finland Knowledge Women and Girls in Science Day, the event brought together more than 150 people from academia, government and other stakeholder organizations to discuss the ongoing challenges of gender equality in science.

The speakers were a distinguished group of diplomats, policy experts, and innovators from Finland, Poland, Norway, and the UAE. The four countries co-hosted the event with the JHU Science Diplomacy Hub and the Women in Science Diplomacy Association.

Keynote Address by Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola: Finland’s Commitment to Gender Equality

Among the keynote speakers was H.E. Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, Finland's Ambassador to the United States, who highlighted Finland’s long-standing commitment to gender equality, noting the integral role women have played in the country’s scientific achievements. She emphasized that gender equality in education and science is crucial not only for fairness but also for fostering innovation and progress in global research. 
Ambassador Mikkola also shared examples of groundbreaking contributions from Finnish women, such as Kati Suominen, a key figure in developing the first internet browser with a graphical user interface, and Pia Bergström, Annika Malm, and Blanka Toukoniitty, whose pioneering work in renewable energy earned them the European Inventor Award in 2023.

Panel Discussions: The Glass Ceiling and Science Diplomacy

In addition to the keynote speeches, the event featured engaging panels on the role of science diplomacy and gender equality. Petri Koikkalainen, Finland’s science counselor, moderated a panel that explored the importance of international collaboration in supporting women and girls in STEM. The discussion, which included insights from Katarzyna Granat from the Embassy of Poland, Hanne Monclair from the Embassy of Norway, and Erdal Fere, Junior Advisor at the Embassy of Finland, focused on inclusive policies, cultural considerations, and how their respective countries are working to encourage greater participation of women in science. The panel highlighted the importance of tailored approaches that account for both local and global contexts. 

Throughout the day, attendees also discussed the challenges women face in STEM fields and explored practical steps to close gender gaps, emphasizing the role of male allies in supporting gender equality and breaking down traditional barriers.

Networking and Continued Dialogue: Building a More Inclusive Future in Science

The event concluded with informal discussions and networking, providing a platform for continued dialogue on improving policies, sharing best practices, and collaborating on initiatives to empower women and girls in science. The Embassy of Finland to the United States remains committed to supporting these efforts, recognizing that empowering women in science not only benefits Finland but contributes to a broader global movement toward a more inclusive and innovative future.

Text and photo: Erdal Fere, TFK junior advisor, Washington DC