Basic Information
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on February 11 with an aim to empower women and child and also to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.
Observed on: February 11
Organized by: UNESCO and UN-Women
Introduced in: 2015 (UN Resolution)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The involvement of women in science and development are very less. Pass out percentage of female students in science related fields are observed to be very less compared to male students. To overcome this gender inequality and to increase the participation of women and girls in science and related fields United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 22 December 2015 to observe every year February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This also aims to empowerment of women and girls.
For achieving the sustainable development agenda, gender equality and participation of women and girls in science is important. Observation of this day also aims at promoting full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Here science related fields normally called STEM which is Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics.
Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) is an organization working on empowering women in science through education, employment and recognition. The idea for an observation of this day was generated during the first High-Level World Women’s Health and Development Forum organized by RASIT and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) at the United Nations Headquarters on 10-11 February 2015. Other participants in the forum were Ministers and representatives from many governments, UNESCO, UN-Women, WHO, UNRWA, UNICEF, UNFPA, Every Women Every Child Initiative etc.
Activities on International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The activities of this day are led by UNESCO and UN-Women. Many organizations, institutions and persons involved in this observation to promote women and girls’ access to and participation in science and related fields. Various activities conducted on this day and the whole year aim to solve the issues faced by a girl student that hold them back.