On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, an event titled "Women in Biotechnology: Science and Innovation" was held at the Parliament of Georgia.

The participants were addressed by the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili: “Science, the development of thought, research, and the pursuit of new knowledge, are what drive the world forward. Throughout history, many outstanding women scientists have contributed to progress. Georgian women scientists have distinguished themselves not only in Georgia but also in the international scientific arena. From school age, it is essential to encourage the pursuit of innovation and the desire for discovery. In this regard, school education plays a crucial role, as it must provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. This naturally leads to higher education. One of the important directions of education reform aims to bring science back to universities, ensuring that academic activity inherently includes active scientific research rather than treating it as an additional, secondary pursuit".

Welcoming remarks were also delivered by the Vice-Speaker of Parliament, Nino Tsilosani: "Women`s participation in science is not only a matter of equality; it is the foundation of research quality, intellectual diversity, and innovative development. Biotechnology, which is the particular focus of today`s event, is a strategically important field directly linked to health, biosafety, and the country`s technological progress. Biotechnology is a space where knowledge is directly transformed into public benefit, whether in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, or epidemiological safety. It is especially important that women in this process are not only participants but often the creators of the achievements of which the Georgian scientific community is proud".

Mariam Lashkhi, Chairperson of the Interim Commission on Women`s and Children`s Issues and of the Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee, spoke about the role of women in science and the responsibility of the state: "It is often said that science has no gender. A formula, a discovery, a research result indeed has no gender, but the person behind that discovery has a story. The story of a woman scientist often includes additional challenges: balancing family and career, and overcoming stereotypes. That is why every achievement is doubly valuable, and it is the responsibility of the state not only to recognize equality but to create real conditions for it. Our task is to ensure that every girl who is interested in a laboratory, a telescope, or a mathematical formula knows that the country stands by her side - not only on February 11, but every day of the year".

The Education, Science and Youth Minister, Givi Mikanadze, and the Director General of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, Teimuraz Dochviri, also addressed the invited guests and congratulated women scientists on their professional day. Within the framework of the event, the topic "Biotechnologies in Georgia – Where Are We Today? Women`s Experience in Biotechnology" was discussed. Participants spoke about the current state of the sector’s development, scientific potential, and the importance of women`s engagement.

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Tinatin Sadunishvili for her outstanding contribution to the scientific and educational fields of biotechnology, and to Marine Barvenashvili for her distinguished contribution to agricultural science and education.

The event was attended by members of the legislative and executive branches of government, as well as representatives of the scientific community.