Springer Nature Joins the UN Women Media Compact in Pledge to Empower Women in Science

Springer Nature partners with UN Women to increase the visibility of women researchers, to drive women’s leadership, and to reduce biases against women.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Springer Nature announced that it has joined the UN Women Media Compact, a news media partnership to boost the empowerment of women. Women now comprise 44% of Springer Nature’s global leadership and the company’s management board boasts a 50/50 gender split. Springer Nature’s partnership with UN Women is a key development formalizing their year-long engagement around gender equity. The Media Compact is guided by two principles that are aligned with Springer Nature’s gender representation goals:

• The forward progress of women’s rights and elimination of biases and stereotypes; and,
• A commitment to increasing the number of women in media and in leadership and decision-making roles.

This partnership continues Springer Nature’s global efforts to celebrate and nurture women researchers and scientists. In September this year, Springer Nature will hold a free virtual conference exploring health and gender equity titled, “Breaking Barriers for Gender and Health Equity Through Research”. And, in October, Nature will hold its annual Inspiring Women in Science Awards and has publicly pledged to double efforts to publish more papers by women researchers. One in four Springer Nature employees are involved in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through employee networks and SDG working groups. Within the framework of the SDGs, this media partnership will augment and amplify the work being done across Springer Nature to advance gender issues, and will help inform efforts to empower women in science.

Jessica Gedamu, Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Springer Nature, said: “Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is one of our highest strategic priorities at Springer Nature. We are committed to advancing DEI across our company and through our publications and activities. This includes taking action to build an inclusive organization, and acknowledging the influence we can have through our published content and platforms. We reach millions of people every day – authors, researchers, readers, students – and can effect real change.

“We are proud to join the UN Women’s Compact. This partnership both aligns with our values and supports our mission: to accelerate solutions to the world’s greatest challenges by disseminating knowledge. As members we will continue to highlight the issues facing women around the world, and celebrate their many contributions to science, research and publishing.”

UN Women Deputy Executive Director Kirsi Madi, said: “UN Women is delighted to welcome Springer Nature to the Media Compact. The power of your voice when you write an article or stand before the microphone or camera can critically contribute to driving women’s empowerment and gender equality. Joining efforts through the Media Compact partnership, UN Women and Springer Nature can make a greater impact.”

Springer Nature joins 94 active UN Women Media Compact members including the Thomson Reuters Foundation, The Huffington Post, and the BBC 50:50 The Equality Project. Learn more about the UN Women Media Compact here: UN Women Media Compact.

About the Springer Nature Group

Springer Nature opens the doors to discovery for researchers, educators, clinicians and other professionals. Every day, around the globe, our imprints, books, journals, platforms and technology solutions reach millions of people. For over 180 years our brands and imprints have been a trusted source of knowledge to these communities and today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood and used by our communities – enabling them to improve outcomes, make progress, and benefit the generations that follow.

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