International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on 11th February, on this day the United Nations focuses on the importance of women and girls in science fields. The day aims to highlight the critical and influential roles that women and girls play in science and technology.

This day is promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) UN Women to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology. The theme for International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 is “ Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability”.

History

According to the UN Resolution A/RES/70/212 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 22 December 2015, the 11th of February will be celebrated as an International Day of Women and Girls in Science every year.

In welcoming the efforts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other relevant organizations that support and promote the access of women and girls and their participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, training and research activities at all levels decided to proclaim 11 February of each year the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The declaration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science by the United Nations (UN) marks a much-needed acknowledgment of the disproportionate number of young girls and women not receiving the same educational and scientific career opportunities around the globe as their male counterparts. Gender equality and science are among the top priorities of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development established by the United Nations. The UN firmly believes that both gender equality and science contribute immeasurably to the creation of a sustainable world.

Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields. Young women all over the globe are ready to be the world’s next great scientist. Loving science and biology as a young girl isn’t weird.

How to Observe International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, an annual day of recognition that shines light on the critical role of women and girls in science and technology. Spearheaded by the United Nations, this day promotes the importance of diverse participation in science, technology, and innovation.

Encourage girls to get into science – Change society so that women don’t disproportionately bear the housework and child rearing duties – so that women don’t have to make a choice between family and a science careers. Let them know the opportunities geared towards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics including electric, robotics, agriculture technology, and so much more.
Reduce gender gap – Giving women equal opportunity to develop and thrive in STEM careers helps reduce the gender wage gap, improves women’s economic security, ensures a diverse and talented workforce. By supporting gender equality, we can open new opportunities to develop unique perspectives and ideas to help solve the world’s most pressing issues.
Recognize success of women – We should recognize women contribution to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

If you know a girl interested in science, encourage them to focus on that career. You can provide them with knowledge on colleges and careers in the science field. Enabling girls to pursue science will make a difference in the world and help solve the challenges we face as a society.

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