Building leaders for the UN Ocean Science Decade: A guide to supporting early career women researchers within academic marine research institutions

Abstract

Diverse and inclusive marine science is now recognized as essential for addressing the complex and accelerating challenges facing marine social-ecological systems (Blythe and Cvitanovic, 2020; Lawless et al., 2021). The United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) identifies gender diversity as integral to achieving its objectives of “the science we need for the ocean we want” and realizing the Sustainable Development Goals. For example, SDG 5.5 specifically aims to ensure that there are equal opportunities for women’s leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life (UN, 2015). The importance of gender equality has also been reflected in other global initiatives, including the UN Women’s programmes on leadership and participation (UN Women, 2022).