3M celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

3M set a global, education-focused goal in 2021 to create five million unique STEM and skilled trades learning experiences for underrepresented individuals by the end of 2025. In just one year (2021-2022), we created/supported more than one million unique STEM and skilled trades learning experiences.

And what's a better time to share this milestone than the International Day of Women and Girls in Science? Celebrated on February 11, the International Day is an annual observance adopted by the United Nations to recognize women's achievement in science and promote the full and equal access and participation of females in STEM fields.

3M State of Science Index – Hong Kong

According to the 3M State of Science Index 2023, a global original research study, most people in Hong Kong believe in science and agree that women are a source of untapped potential in the STEM workforce:

• 92% (vs 90% globally) agree that people should follow science to help make the world more sustainable.
• 91% of HK people believe science can help minimize the effects of climate change.
• 89% agree that STEM professionals can help us solve tomorrow's problems.
• 85% agree that women are a source of untapped potential in the STEM workforce.
• 84% agree that underrepresented groups are a source of untapped potential in the STEM workforce.
• 91% say schools should provide education around climate change for students as a core part of their science curriculum.

"One finding we see consistently in the 3M State of Science Index is that women are a source of untapped potential in the STEM workforce and that more needs to be done to encourage and keep students engaged in STEM education," said Dr. Jayshree Seth, Chief Science Advocate. "But this cannot be achieved without a holistic approach to STEM equity and the ability to provide continuity for students as they move through the educational system, no matter where they are in the world."

To inspire and support future generations of innovators and scientists and to promote equal opportunities in STEM education and skilled trades, 3M has launched many CSR initiatives. For example, since 2021, 3MHK has organized STEM Education & Experience Workshops for primary and secondary school students. Through short talks, games, and science experiments, 3Mers deciphered the scientific knowledge and principles behind our proprietary filtration and purification, adhesive, and film technologies. The Workshops enable students to relate factual knowledge to real-life experience, sparking their interest and spirit of exploration in science and technology.