International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlight the vital role that women and girls have in scientific discovery and progress. The day places significance on equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. It aims to encourage more females to pursue a career in science and combat the gender stereotypes in this field. Additionally, it promotes the appreciation of women's contributions to scientific innovation and knowledge.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. This initiative was created to address the worldwide gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors. For Americans, this day serves to amplify the discussion about the underrepresentation of women in these fields. It emphasizes the need for gender equality in scientific and technological education and careers. Moreover, it serves as an opportunity to celebrate American women scientists who have left an indelible impression on the nation's scientific heritage.

In America, International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed through various activities such as conferences, seminars, and debates on women's role in science. Events may also involve highlighting influential women scientists, lectures about their significant contributions, and encouraging young girls to participate in hands-on science activities. Campaigns are also hosted across social media platforms using the hashtag #WomenInScience to spread awareness about the day. In America, like in countries around the globe, International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed annually on the 11th of February.

Top 10 Facts for International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2026

• The 2026 observance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science will focus on the theme From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap.
• This upcoming event marks a significant shift in global strategy, moving from identifying the problems behind gender inequality to showcasing solution-based practices and concrete actions for inclusive scientific ecosystems.
• A central focus of the 2026 celebration is the influence of emerging technologies on gender equality, with specific high-level roundtables dedicated to progress in Health Research, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Scientific Entrepreneurship.
• Public interest often centers on the stark disparity in high-tech fields, where statistics show that women currently comprise only 22% of professionals working in artificial intelligence globally.
• To commemorate the day, UNESCO will host a major hybrid event at its headquarters in Paris to highlight the #EveryVoiceInScience campaign, which advocates for greater representation of women’s perspectives in solving global challenges.
• The 2026 assembly continues a tradition of inclusivity by specifically featuring the contributions and unique challenges of blind and deaf women in science to ensure that scientific advancement benefits from diverse human experiences.
• Despite progress, data from the United Nations indicates that women still represent less than one-third of the world's researchers, at approximately 33.3% globally.
• Educational initiatives surrounding the day often highlight literary works like Rebel Girls STEM Stars: 25 Tales of Women in Science and The Disordered Cosmos to inspire the next generation of female innovators.
• The 2026 observance also serves as a platform for the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Programme, which honors renowned female scientists whose work has significantly impacted the quality and relevance of modern innovation.
• While some online sources incorrectly link the February 11th date to specific birthdays, the day was formally established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 70/212 to ensure full and equal access to science for women and girls.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Top things to do in the US 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.
• Learn more about the history of untold Women in Science and Technology as several women from the Obama White House Administration tell stories of their personal heroes across the STEM field.

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