On 11 February, the United Nations, partners worldwide, women and girls will mark
the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrating the theme, “Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth.”
The Day focuses on the reality that science and gender equality are both vital for the
achievement of internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are steering girls and women away from science related fields. According to data from the UN Scientific Education and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), fewer than 30% of
researchers worldwide are women and approximately 30% of all female students select
STEM-related fields in higher education. Globally, female students’ enrollment is
particularly low in ICT (3%), natural science, mathematics and statistics (5%), and
engineering, manufacturing and construction (8%).
In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and
girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls,
the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/70/212 declaring 11 February as
the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.