Scientist Christl Donnelly was at a meeting when she spotted a senior researcher by the coffee table. She knew he was interested in her work on diseases, so she decided to introduce herself.

"When I came up to him, he was pouring himself a cup of coffee," Donnelly recalls. "And he said, 'Oh, should I not be pouring coffee for myself?' and handed me the coffee and his cup." 

Today, scientists are marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. But a new report shows that there are still far fewer female scientists than male scientists. 

The study by GenderInSITE, an organisation promoting women in science, suggests many people still hold outdated ideas about what work women "can" or "should" do. In 2015, British Nobel prize winner Sir Tim Hunt complained that women "cry" in labs when criticised. 

Today, women still make up only 17% of members of scientific academies. Many female scientists have shorter, less well-paid careers than male scientists. 

But others say society, and science, is changing. More women than ever are starting careers in science. South Africa's Youth Academy of Science now has more female members than males. 

Around the world, women in science are achieving incredible things. Katrin Amunts is building a 3D map of the human brain. Linda Amaral-Zettler is studying life forms on ocean plastics. 

For women and girls everywhere, achieving gender equality in science is vitally important. Women contribute key new ideas and perspectives to science. "We need the brightest minds to create the future we want to see," says astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz. "And that means making science open and accessible for all." 

Yes: Women in science are constantly belittled, ignored and passed over in favour of male colleagues. It is no wonder that many choose to leave STEM subjects altogether. 

No: Attitudes have changed dramatically over time. From astrophysics to AI, women are doing great things in science. 

Or... The data is clear. Women are still under-represented in science. But the statistics alone cannot tell us why women are not continuing in STEM careers - or if patriarchal attitudes alone are to blame.