UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Head of the UN cultural agency (UNESCO) on Tuesday underscored the gender gap in science and called for equal opportunities for women and girls pursuing careers in science.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay made the appeal in her message to the opening segment of the fifth International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly, which was delivered by a UNESCO representative.

Azoulay said that while significant progress has been achieved since the 19th century, "we must acknowledge that substantial gender inequality still exists, both throughout the world in general and in the domain of science in particular."

Quoting UNESCO studies, she noted that even though girls do as well as boys in mathematics, women account for only 30 percent of scientific researchers, and that girls and women have four times fewer chances than men do when it comes to acquiring basic digital skills.

These persistent inequalities should be cause for major concern, she stressed.

"Indeed, if we are to be able to address the enormous challenges of the 21st century ... we will need to rely on science and the mobilization of all our resources. It is for this reason that the world must not be deprived of the potential, the intelligence, or the creativity of the thousands of women who are victims of deep-seated inequality and prejudice," Azoulay said.

On UNESCO's work to promote gender equality, she said UNESCO seeks to support the careers of women scientists and researchers through initiatives such as the L'Oreal-UNESCO Prize "For Women in Science."

To combat prejudice at the source, she said UNESCO also supports national education systems by deconstructing the gender stereotypes, which are sometimes found in teaching materials.

UNESCO also supports education systems by strengthening states' ability to deliver science and technology education with an egalitarian outlook.

"On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2020, UNESCO is calling on the international community, states and individuals to work together so that equality in the sciences and other fields can finally become a reality. Humanity has everything to gain, and so does science," said Azoulay.

The ongoing assembly, which is expected to last two days, is themed "Investment in Equality in Science, Technology and Innovation in the Era of Digitalization for Sustainable Development."

Its opening segment, entitled "From Dream to Reality: Five Years of Achievements," was moderated by Lara Bevan-Shiraz, a 15-year-old British girl, who is a creative polymath and winner of a Dr. Jane Goodall Outstanding Roots and Shoots Award.

In December 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring Feb. 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Enditem

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