Statement on International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022 by Lucy Gildea, Chief Innovation Officer of Mary Kay Inc.

In a landmark study conducted between 1966 and 1977, nearly 5,000 children were asked to draw a scientist. Of those drawings, a mere 0.6% depicted female scientists. Similar, more recent studies have shown improvement, with 28% of modern-day children drawing female scientists when given the same task.

It’s progress. But we’re not there yet.

Mary Kay Inc. envisions a future where more women scientists exist not only on paper, but in the real world. That’s why, on this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re calling on all governments, educational institutions and our peers in the private sector to invest in, encourage and advocate for more women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. More girls in STEM education leads to an increase in women embracing STEM careers. In turn, this provides access to more equal opportunities for women, narrows the gender pay gap, bolsters economies and eliminates bias in scientific fields.

That’s why Mary Kay supports minority students in STEM studies by investing millions of dollars in projects like the Academy of Marketing Science, the Society of Investigative Dermatology and the Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship.

It’s why each year, the Mary Kay Ash FoundationSM supports the development of women scientists with research grants that aid in finding cures for cancers affecting women specifically.

Every day, through innovation and science, women around the world are solving some of our most complex problems — but there’s more to be done to recognize their contributions, provide them a voice and increase their representation in the STEM field.

In the future, when we ask young girls to draw a scientist, my hope is that they’ll draw themselves.

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her beauty company nearly 60 years ago with three goals: to develop rewarding opportunities for women, offer irresistible products and make the world a better place. Over the years, her dream has blossomed into a multibillion-dollar company with millions of independent sales force members in nearly 40 countries.

In addition to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge products, Mary Kay is committed to empowering women and their families. By supporting cancer research, protecting domestic abuse survivors, beautifying communities and encouraging children to follow their dreams, our company ensures that Mary Kay Ash’s original vision continues to shine today. Learn more at MaryKayGlobal.com.

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications

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(+1) 972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com