WINDHOEK, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Women's participation in innovation and science globally and in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region remain low, SADC Executive Secretary Stergomena Lawrence Tax said Wednesday.

Ahead of the International Women's Day celebrations on March 8, Tax said in a statement that women and girls continue to be less engaged and under-represented in technology and innovation.

"This creates a missed opportunity in terms of their influence and ideas in transforming the society," she added.

According to Tax, through a number of instruments, SADC recognizes gender equality and development as an essential part of regional integration.

"As we commemorate the International Women's Day, we call upon SADC Member States to intensify efforts towards advancing gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls," she said.

The approval of SADC Charter on Women in Science, Engineering and Technology in 2017 was a significant step in this direction, she added.

Tax said SADC continues to advocate the full engagement of women and girls in issues related to innovation and technology and for the gender-responsive approach to innovation.

This year's celebrations across the world will be commemorated under the theme: "Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change."