The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated every year on February 11, is a global observance that highlights the vital role of women and girls in shaping the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The day promotes gender equality and encourages more women and girls to participate in scientific fields where they have traditionally been underrepresented. It serves as a reminder that empowering women in science is not just a matter of equality but also a means of achieving social and economic progress.
The United Nations (UN) officially proclaimed this day to advocate for the full participation of women and girls in scientific fields, where they can contribute their knowledge, innovations, and creativity to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By breaking down stereotypes and providing opportunities, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science strives to inspire future generations of female scientists and leaders.
Key Details
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Observed On | February 11th annually |
| Theme for 2025 | “Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability” |
| Purpose | To encourage and inspire women and girls to pursue STEM careers, address gender inequality, and promote education in science and technology |
| First Celebrated | 2016, by the United Nations General Assembly |
| Initiated By | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) |
| Target Audience | Women and girls in science and technology fields, educators, and advocates for gender equality |
| Activities | Educational workshops, webinars, conferences, and celebrations focused on women in science |
| Best Hashtags | #WomenInScience #GirlsInSTEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMinism #GenderEqualityInScience |
History of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015, following a resolution aimed at promoting the inclusion of women in science and technology fields. This global observance was introduced by the UN to address the persistent gender gap in STEM disciplines and to celebrate the achievements of women who have made significant contributions to science.
Historically, women have been underrepresented in STEM fields due to societal stereotypes, cultural expectations, and a lack of access to educational opportunities. Despite these challenges, countless women have made groundbreaking contributions to science, from Marie Curie’s pioneering work in radioactivity to Ada Lovelace’s development of the first computer algorithm. These women, and many others, have paved the way for future generations of female scientists, engineers, and innovators.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves to honor their achievements, raise awareness about the challenges that women face in these fields, and encourage new generations to take up the mantle in pursuit of scientific excellence.
The Role of Women in Science
Women have played a key role in scientific advancements, but their contributions have often been overlooked or underrepresented. Today, women in science are breaking barriers in a variety of disciplines:
1. Medical Science
Women have made enormous strides in medical research, clinical trials, and healthcare innovation. For example, Tu Youyou, a Chinese scientist, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for discovering artemisinin, a drug that has saved millions of lives by treating malaria.
2. Space Exploration
Women have made their mark in space science, from Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, to Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space. Their achievements inspire future generations to reach for the stars, both literally and figuratively.
3. Environmental Science
Women like Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, have been at the forefront of environmental conservation and sustainable development. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, which has planted over 50 million trees across Africa.
4. Physics and Engineering
Female physicists and engineers are making huge strides in advancing our understanding of the universe and developing technologies that shape our everyday lives. Women like Sara Borrell and Mary Jackson have made vital contributions to aerospace engineering and physics.
5. Technology and Innovation
Women in technology, such as Radia Perlman, known as the “Mother of the Internet,” have designed key protocols that underpin the modern internet, while Sheryl Sandberg has reshaped the landscape of social media with Facebook.
The Gender Gap in STEM
Despite the success stories of women in science, the gender gap in STEM remains a significant challenge. According to recent reports from UNESCO, women make up only about 30% of the world’s researchers, and the number drops even lower in engineering, physics, and computer science. There are several barriers that contribute to this gap:
- Stereotypes: Girls are often socialized to believe that STEM subjects are “for boys,” discouraging them from pursuing scientific careers.
- Access to Education: In some parts of the world, girls have less access to quality education, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
- Workplace Inequality: Women in science often face discrimination and bias in hiring, promotions, and funding opportunities.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science focuses on addressing these issues and empowering women to overcome obstacles in their scientific careers.
Theme for 2025: “Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability”
The theme for International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025 is “Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability”. This theme highlights the pivotal role of women in science and leadership in shaping a sustainable future. As the world faces challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality, women in science are at the forefront, bringing innovative solutions to these global issues.
Objectives of the Theme:
- Showcase Women in Leadership: Focus on the leadership roles that women hold in science and technology, particularly in addressing sustainability challenges.
- Promote Sustainable Solutions: Highlight the contributions of female scientists working toward creating sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in industries like energy, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
- Inspire Future Leaders: Encourage young girls and women to step into leadership roles in science, fostering a new generation of changemakers who can drive sustainable development.
Ways to Celebrate and Get Involved
1. Support Education for Girls in Science
Encourage girls to pursue studies in science and technology. Support organizations that provide scholarships and mentorship to young women interested in STEM fields.
2. Highlight Role Models
Celebrate and highlight the achievements of women in science. Whether it’s through social media, local events, or classroom activities, raising awareness about female scientists inspires others to follow in their footsteps.
3. Host STEM Workshops
Organize workshops or webinars that focus on the importance of women in science and technology. Invite female scientists to speak and share their experiences with students and young professionals.
4. Promote Gender Equality
Advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay for equal work, mentorship programs for women in science, and addressing bias in hiring and promotions.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an important occasion that calls for greater gender equity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By promoting and supporting the participation of women and girls in STEM fields, we can unlock their potential to drive progress, innovation, and solutions to global challenges. As we continue to inspire future generations of female scientists, we take one step closer to a more inclusive and equitable world, where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of science and technology.
