International Day of Women and Girls in Science – February 11

The annual celebration on February 11 for Women and Girls in Science helps advance both gender equality and complete female involvement in STEM disciplines. The United Nations established this initiative to eliminate all obstacles that stand between women and participation in science technology engineering and mathematics fields. The theme for 2025 focuses on "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science" to showcase the importance of proper inclusivity together with representation alongside opportunities for women engaged in scientific careers. The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals along with innovation require equal participation of women in STEM fields.

Context

• This program functions as an initiative supported by the United Nations to ensure complete gender equality in science, technology engineering, and mathematics education.

• The organization strives to eliminate gender disparities when it comes to scientific studies as well as innovation and technological development.

• The initiative supports gender equality as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Historical Background

• The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (55th session) proposed enhancing STEM enrollment for women during its meeting on March 14th, 2011.

• United Nations General Assembly adopted on December 20th, 2013 emphasized women should have equal access to scientific and technological innovation.

• United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) created February 11 as the official International Day of Women and Girls in Science through its Declaration on December 22 of 2015.

• The 2025 anniversary will explore STEM careers while highlighting "Her Voice in Science" as its main theme.

Importance of Women in STEM

• Worldwide research profession remains primarily dominated by men since they make up 67% compared to women who represent 33%.

• The AISHE Report (2020-21 shows that women compose 43% of STEM graduates while their numbers in STEM job positions remain quantitatively low.

• Limited participation of women in STEM fields results from traditional sexual stereotypes as well as inadequate mentorship connections and minimal decision-making roles and social expectations.

• Research excellence along with sustainable innovation and development advances when women participate in scientific activities.

UNESCO's Role

• The organization actively engages in activities aimed at reducing educational and research gender inequality.

• The organization maintains support for legislative measures that would stimulate scientific breakthroughs through female leadership along with innovative policies

Conclusion

Women and girls must be strongly supported to enter STEM careers because it leads to better scientific innovation and world advancement. The presence of balanced gender representation in science creates new viewpoints that produce creative answers and maintain long-term success rates. The elimination of gender inequality in STEM requires governments along with institutions and societal collaboration to develop education systems combined with policy adjustments together with programs that empower women.