International Day of Women and Girls in Science

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2024 DateFebruary 11, 2024
2025 DateFebruary 11, 2025

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International Day of Women and Girls in Science

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The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a global observance aimed at achieving full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. The day further promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Recognizing that science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of internationally agreed goals, the observance focuses on ensuring women and girls’ inclusive engagement at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish this international day in 2015. Canada, being a strong advocate for gender equality and women's rights, has been an active participant. Canadian women have historically made significant contributions to science, yet they remain underrepresented in this industry. On this observance, Canada strives to amplify their efforts to reduce the gender gap in the STEM fields by highlighting the contributions of female scientists, promoting women's access to scientific research, and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science.

In Canada, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is typically celebrated by hosting various events, workshops, and conferences, focusing on the importance of gender diversity in science. Schools, universities, research institutions, and government agencies come together to inspire future generations of women scientists and celebrate the achievements of women in science across Canada. The private sector also plays a critical role, where organizations hold inclusive events, and feature women and girls who have been trailblazers in the scientific field. The observance is held annually on 11th February, with the intention to foster substantial growth in the representation of women and girls in science, both in Canada and worldwide.

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Facts about Women and Girls in Science

  • The theme for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2023 was (Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance) - I.D.E.A.: Bringing communities Forward for sustainable and equitable development.
  • According to UNESCO, fewer than 30% of researchers worldwide are women. Additionally, only 35% of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields worldwide are women.
  • Three focus areas highlighted in the 2023 International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly are:
    1) Transforming Cities and Infrastructure for Sustainable Future
    2) The Road to Sustainable Transport
    3) Sustainable Business and Industry Communities
    4) Breaking Boundaries: Space Community I.D.E.A.S. for Sustainable Development
    5) Making Science Accessible
  • Women working in STEM fields in Canada still experience a wage gap when compared to their male counterparts. Despite holding 40% of STEM jobs, women earned on average 17.5% less than their male peers.
  • Donna Strickland, a Canadian physicist, was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for her work on high-intensity laser pulses. She was the first woman in 55 years and the third woman ever to receive the prestigious award.

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

  • Discover 12 notable women in STEM who have made a lasting impact on history.
  • Learn how to get children interested in STEM. Some tips include cooking and baking as the mixing and measuring of values can create an interest in science. Other tips include using more math in everyday life. Discover more tips.
  • Watch a film to learn more about Women and Girls in Science:
    Margaret Atwood: Once in August - This documentary gives a unique insight into the life of one of Canada's most acclaimed female authors who has a scientific background.
    The Gender Chip Project - An engaging documentary that sets its focus on five women majoring in the sciences at Ohio State University in the US.
    Women in Science: Profiles and Answers - This DVD portrays the achievements of some current leading women natural scientists (all members of the National Academy of Sciences) and aims to acquaint younger women, including girls, with the opportunities and satisfactions of careers in the various fields of science.
  • Attend the National Science and Innovation Gala: This annual event held in Ottawa is designed to inspire, influence, and celebrate achievements in the field of science and technology. On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, special focus is given to achievements of women in these fields.

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