International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on 11th February each year to promote female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. After noticing inadequate participation of females in STEM, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution that marked 11th February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

This day is organized each year by UNESCO and UN Women collectively, and the celebrations take place around a unique theme each year. To know more about how the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated globally, its history, themes, and significance, go through the given information.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2023

Throughout the world, 11th February is celebrated as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day is celebrated to motivate girls to take up STEM subjects for higher education. Women in Science Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to support women who did not have access to pursue STEM fields due to their socio-economic conditions and gender bias.

Several studies and surveys have indicated that female presence is underrepresented in STEM fields, and socio-cultural bias is its main cause. So, International Day of Women and Girls in Science aims to motivate people to support women in STEM. Here is a brief overview of this day:

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022 Theme

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022 theme was "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us." This theme points towards the three main issues that must be resolved pronto to give women the representation they deserve in STEM.

Each year, International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated worldwide with events that align with different themes. The following table lists some of the previous year's Women in Science Day themes:

History of International Day of Women and Girls in Science

There have been several efforts to involve and acknowledge women and girls in science in the past decade. One of those efforts included the United Nations General Assembly establishing 11th February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science through the resolution A/RES/70/212, which was declared in 2015. The day is celebrated by both UN and UNESCO women. It involves collaboration with institutions to promote women in the field of science. It signifies the importance of inclusion, diversification, and equal access to both genders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science also celebrates the women and girls who are leading their way through cutting-edge technologies and driving innovation. People worldwide need to acknowledge and recognize the contribution of women in the field of science.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science Significance

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrates all women in the field of STEM. The day also promotes the equal participation of women and girls in the field of science. This day is significant because:

• Worldwide, only 33 percent of women work as researchers and are comparatively awarded less funding than their male counterparts.
• Usually considered the weaker sex, women, and girls are often deprived of equal opportunities and benefits.
• They need to be equal participants in every field of work
• International Day of Women and Girls in Science acknowledges the contribution of women in science and promotes their presence in the field.

How are Women in Science Day Celebrated?

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated worldwide through activities, discussions, exhibitions, and expos led by women.

• In 2022, the main event of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science was organized at the Expo Dubai.
• The event was organized by UNESCO, The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
• The event honored women working in science and motivated many other women and girls to participate by pursuing careers in the field of science.
• UNESCO also organized an exhibition that showcased the artwork of women scientists. The art event was named Creative Resilience- Art by Women in Science.

FAQs on International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Q1. When is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrated?

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on 11th February every year. It is an important day for recognizing the contribution of women and girls in science. Women in Science Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly.

Q2. Why is International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrated?

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science promotes the equal participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This enhances inclusion and gender diversity in the field of science.

Q3. When was the International Day of Women and Girls in Science established?

International Day of Women and Girls in Science was established on 22nd December 2015. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was established after the resolution A/RES/70/212 was passed by the UN General Assembly.

Q4. How is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrated worldwide?

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated by conducting workshops, exhibitions, and activities that celebrate and promote women and girls' participation in the field of science.

Q5. Which Day is celebrated on 11th February?

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on 11th February. This day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the role and importance of women in science.