The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11th each year across the globe to recognize the critical role of women and girls in science and technology and to promote gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
2024 theme for International Day of Women's and girls in science: “Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability” and the subtheme is “Think Science ... Think Peace”.
In 2011, the seeds are sown as the Commission on the Status of Women acknowledges the need for girls’ and women’s equal access and participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In 2013, the UN General Assembly recognizes the vital role women play in scientific progress and urges action to dismantle barriers hindering their participation.
The annual occasion was established in 2015 by the UN General Assembly to improve women’s access and participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is very important because UNGA understood that to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment, it is necessary to promote equal access for females to participate in science, technology, and innovation. UNESCO and UN Women are the two key United Nations bodies responsible for International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Despite worldwide recognition of STEM fields as crucial to national economies, no country has achieved gender parity across all socio-economic levels. Hence this day plays a significant role in showing why females should be involved in these fields.
The day highlights the achievements of women and girls in science and technology, celebrates their contributions to research, innovation, and discovery, and acknowledges the challenges they face in pursuing careers in STEM. It also aims to inspire and empower girls and young women to pursue education and careers in science and technology, where they are often underrepresented.
By increasing the recognition of gender parity in science and technology fields plus getting more women involved in STEM, International Day of Women and Girls in Science helps shape an all-inclusive scientific community that is diverse innovative and progressive for the good of all humanity.
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