Statistician Christl Donnelly was at a conference when she spotted a senior researcher. She knew he had an interest in her research, 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." 

Scientists around the world are marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. But a new report confirms that experiences like Professor Donnelly's are far from uncommon.

According to a study by GenderInSITEGenderInSITE promotes women in science, innovation, technology and engineering. , patriarchalA society in which adult men have a monopoly on power. In these societies, men tend to hold all political positions, and women and children are also expected to obey the men in their families. attitudes mean women are under-represented in science careers. 

Women make up 17% of members of scientific academies. For mathematical sciences, this figure falls to 8%.

For many female scientists, the data tells them something they already knew. Female researchers tend to have shorter careers. They are passed over for promotions. 

Campaigners warn those who believe patriarchal ideas are a thing of the past are mistaken. In 2015, British Nobel prizeOne of a set of prizes, laid out in the will of Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, given each year to people who "have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".  winner Sir Tim HuntThe biochemist was awarded the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering the protein molecules that control the division of cells.  provoked outrage when he complained that women "cry" in labs when criticised.

Today, more women than ever are starting careers in science. 

Data from GenderInSITE shows that between 2015 and today, women's leadership in science governing bodies has risen from 21% to 29%. And South Africa's Youth Academy of Science has more female membersThe academy has the highest percentage of female members in the world, at 57%.  than males. 

Women in science are achieving extraordinary things. Neuroscientist Katrin Amunts is building a 3D map of the brain. Microbiologist Linda Amaral-Zettler is studying life forms on ocean plastics. 

"As a woman of colour in STEMScience, technology, engineering and maths. STEM is a term used to group these academic disciplines. , I see the opportunity to add my voice to the chorus of women redefining what it means to 'be' or 'do' scientific work," says Jedidah Isler, an astrophysicist. 

Encouraging female participation in science is important. Gender equality is enshrined in human rights.

Including women is key to scientific endeavour. Diverse perspectives spark creativity. 

For astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz, studying the stars outside our solar system made her appreciate the challenges humans face. "We need the brightest minds to create the future we want to see - and that means making science open and accessible for all." 

Yes: The answer is obvious. 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 the last century, and even the last decade. From astrophysics to AIA computer programme that has been designed to think. , women are doing remarkable things in science. We should not ignore their achievements.

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.