International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025: Date, Theme, History & Why It Matters

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) 2025 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Celebrated annually on February 11, this day serves as a global platform to recognize the contributions of women and girls in science and to advocate for their full and equal access to opportunities in these fields.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025- Theme

As UNESCO states, science in the 21st century is dynamic, collaborative, and diverse, playing a crucial role in addressing global challenges beyond laboratories. The theme for 2025 is: “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”

This theme underscores the importance of encouraging young women to pursue careers in science and technology, while also addressing the barriers that prevent them from thriving in these fields.

The History and Significance of the Day

The United Nations (UN) formally recognized the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to promote gender equality and ensure that women and girls are given equal opportunities in the STEM sectors.

Key Milestones in Recognizing Women’s Role in Science

• March 14, 2011: The Commission on the Status of Women (55th session) adopted a report emphasizing the importance of women’s participation in education, training, science, and technology.
• December 20, 2013: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution on science, technology, and innovation for development, stressing that women and girls of all ages must have equal access to these fields.
• 2015: The United Nations declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, calling for collective global efforts to eliminate gender bias and discrimination in STEM.

Why Gender Equality in Science Matters?

According to the United Nations, achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is not only essential for the economic development of the world but also crucial for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Gender Gap in STEM Fields

Despite significant progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM disciplines across the world. Even though more women are pursuing higher education, their participation in scientific research, engineering, and technology-related careers is still disproportionately low.

Challenges Women Face in STEM

1. Gender Bias & Stereotypes: Many societies still perceive STEM fields as male-dominated, discouraging girls from pursuing science and technology careers.
2. Lack of Role Models: With fewer women in leadership positions in STEM, young girls lack inspirational figures to look up to.
3. Limited Career Advancement Opportunities: Women in STEM often face glass ceilings, limiting their chances of reaching higher positions in research institutions and corporations.
4. Pay Gap & Workplace Discrimination: Women scientists frequently earn less than their male counterparts, and many face gender discrimination in hiring and promotions.
5. Work-Life Balance Challenges: The pressure of balancing family responsibilities with demanding STEM careers discourages many women from continuing in the field.

Building a Future for Women in Science

The 10th anniversary of IDWGS (2025) and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action mark two significant moments in the global journey toward gender equality in science. Addressing the gender gap in STEM requires structural reforms and inclusive policies that support women throughout their careers.

Steps to Encourage Women in STEM

• Breaking Stereotypes: Changing societal perceptions that STEM careers are for men only.
• Promoting Female Role Models: Showcasing successful women scientists to inspire young girls.
• Providing Scholarships & Funding: Offering financial support to encourage women to pursue STEM degrees.
• Ensuring Equal Pay & Opportunities: Addressing salary disparities and promoting workplace inclusivity.
• Implementing Supportive Policies: Encouraging maternity leave, flexible work hours, and mentorship programs.

Global Initiatives to Support Women in Science

United Nations’ Commitment

The UN and its agencies, including UNESCO and UN Women, actively promote gender equality in STEM by supporting various educational and leadership programs for women scientists.

Major Programs Supporting Women in Science

• L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program: Recognizes and funds female researchers worldwide.
• STEM Education Programs: Governments and organizations are launching coding boot camps, robotics workshops, and science scholarships for young girls.
• Women in Tech Conferences: Global forums like the Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference encourage networking and career growth for women in STEM.

Impact of Women in Science

Women scientists have played a crucial role in groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped modern science. Some notable women in STEM include:

• Marie Curie – Pioneered research on radioactivity, winning two Nobel Prizes.
• Rosalind Franklin – Made key contributions to discovering the structure of DNA.
• Kalpana Chawla – The first Indian-origin woman astronaut, inspiring generations in space exploration.
• Katherine Johnson – Mathematician whose calculations helped NASA’s Apollo missions succeed.

Encouraging more women in STEM will lead to greater innovation, better scientific advancements, and a more inclusive society.

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