Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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February 10, 2021
WHEREAS, women and girls’ contributions as key creators, owners, and leaders of innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are essential to achieving scientific and technological progress; and,
WHEREAS, due in part to gender and wage gaps between men and women, women are less likely to pursue careers in STEM-related fields. Only 30 percent of researchers worldwide are women, and only 35 percent of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study are women; and,
WHEREAS, recent studies have found that women in STEM fields publish less, are paid less for their research, and do not progress as far as men in their careers. Girls are often made to believe they are not smart enough for STEM, or that boys and men have a more natural affinity for the field; and,
WHEREAS, women in STEM professions have made substantial contributions to advancements in Michigan’s economy, government offices, high-tech firms, and engineering corporations; and,
WHEREAS, together, women and minorities make up more than half of Michigan's population, yet they are much less likely than men to earn STEM degrees or become STEM professionals; and,
WHEREAS, the MiSTEM Network is paving the way to improve STEM education and support for girls as well as attracting and recruiting women into STEM fields; and,
WHEREAS, on this day, we bring awareness to increasing the participation of women and girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by promoting STEM subjects, encouraging mentoring to support women throughout their academic and professional experiences, and supporting efforts to retain women in the STEM workforce;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 11, 2021, as Women and Girls in Science Day in Michigan.