Population forecasts may be based on unrealistic assumptions of demographic change in the developing world, warns Carl Haub.

More girls will study natural sciences if social norms are challenged — there are no innate barriers, argues Emily Ngubia Kuria.

A policy to encourage women graduates in South Africa has worked. Now we must support women scientists, says science minister Naledi Pandor.

More women teachers and better teaching methods will encourage girls to engage with science, says science educator Minella Clutario Alarcon.

Mentoring helps women build careers in science, and helps science get the best out of women, says social psychologist Tineke Willemsen.

Policies that help remove the stigma around childcare will help put men and women on an equal footing in science, says Mary Ann Mason.

Weeding, which causes problems for women in developing countries, can benefit from modern biotechnology, says Jonathan Gressel.

Researchers are putting women's lives at risk by being too cautious about trialling drugs during pregnancy, say Nicholas J. White and colleagues.

To meet the challenge of climate change, Indian scientists need more imagination and vigour, and to stop playing safe, says Sunita Narain.

One year on from the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, Shirley Malcom calls for better science and technology education for all – especially women.