Over the years, women have carved out a distinguished place for themselves across various fields of science and technology. They have achieved remarkable successes, exceptional accomplishments, and unparalleled excellence. Every year on February 11, the world celebrates these achievements through the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—a global recognition of the outstanding contributions made by women and girls whose brilliant minds drive scientific discoveries of the past, present, and future. These women and girls have proven that science knows no gender—only passion and innovation.
A Necessary Step to Close the Gender Gap in Science
According to the official United Nations website (un.org), the International Day of Women and Girls in Science was established more than ten years ago by a resolution of the UN General Assembly in 2015. The initiative was created as a necessary step to bridge the gender gap in scientific fields and to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the day, and UNESCO celebrates it annually in collaboration with UN Women. Together with national governments, civil society partners, companies, and universities, these organizations work to raise awareness and promote dialogue celebrating the achievements of women and girls in STEM. The day also encourages young people to consider future careers in these areas.
Educational institutions and schools can use this occasion to highlight pioneering female scientists and their accomplishments, spark curiosity, and inspire passion for future careers in STEM—encouraging more women and girls to take on scientific and technological challenges.
Why Is It Important to Include More Women and Girls in Science?
When a particular group—whether defined by age, culture, or gender—dominates a field of study, there is a risk of creating a narrow perspective. Including more women in traditionally male-dominated fields enriches those areas with new viewpoints, talents, and creativity. It can also improve the social and economic status of women in many countries.
The Importance of Celebrating This Day
According to UNESCO (unesco.org), despite the significant progress women have made in science and technology, disparities still exist. Women generally receive fewer research grants than men, often have shorter careers, and the gender pay gap remains present.
Statistics show that women remain underrepresented in fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, computer science, and informatics. Although there is no major difference in ability between boys and girls in mathematics and science, women account for only 33.3% of researchers globally in STEM fields—and their representation in engineering and information technology is even lower.
Girls also face challenges in accessing technical resources compared to boys. Therefore, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is not merely a celebration—it is a response to real challenges women face in scientific fields. The day aims to:
Promote Equality: Despite rapid scientific and technological advancement, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields.
Empower Girls: The celebration highlights the importance of encouraging girls to pursue scientific paths and break stereotypes that confine science to men.
Remove Barriers: It sheds light on obstacles preventing women from reaching leadership positions in laboratories and universities.
Support Sustainable Development: The United Nations believes that the world cannot solve major global challenges—such as climate change and pandemics—without harnessing the potential of half of its population.
The 2026 Celebration: Building an Inclusive Future
The 11th International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11, 2026) will be held under the theme:
“Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science” (Note: If officially updated, theme may vary.)
The focus highlights the integration of artificial intelligence, social sciences, STEM, and finance to build a more inclusive future for women and girls. The goal is to reduce gender inequality, empower women in technology and science, and promote sustainable and inclusive development.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of enabling every girl to envision a future in STEM and ensuring that every woman can thrive in her scientific career. As societies work to address widening inequality, integrating artificial intelligence, social sciences, STEM, and finance represents a multidimensional approach to accelerating inclusive and sustainable development.
Artificial intelligence offers powerful tools for data analysis, medical diagnosis, and climate modeling. However, without targeted interventions, its benefits may not reach women and girls equally. Coordinated efforts across these sectors can help bridge digital skill gaps, support women-led startups, promote gender-responsive AI governance, and ensure inclusive financing models.
A Shared Responsibility
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is not just a celebration—it is a call to action. A future built on innovation and sustainability must include the voices, talents, and leadership of women and girls. Empowering them in science is not only a matter of equality—it is essential for global progress.
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