International Day of Women and Girls in Science

About International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The United Nations have long been fighting for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as one of the main issues that need attention globally. Contribution of women and girls are very significant not only to economic development of the world, but also in assisting the progress across all goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development planned by the United Nation.

The history of International Day of Women and Girls in Science started on 14 March 2011 during the United Nation fifty-fifth session where the Commission on the Status of Women adopted a report with agreed conclusions that women and girls would be having easy access and participation in the field of Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, training, science and technology, as well as for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment, longer-term professional advancement and able to acquire decent career.
A resolution on science, technology and innovation for development was adopted by the General Assembly on 20 December 2013 in order to acknowledge women and girls (all ages) able to have full and equal access to as well as participate in science, technology and innovation. This is essential in order for women and girls to achieve gender equality and empowerment as based on a UN study from 14 countries showing that the probability for female students graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in science is only 18% with huge difference of 37% for the male students.

Consequently, a resolution (A/RES/70/212) was agreed upon by the United Nation General Assembly on 22 December 2015 to establish an annual International Day that recognize the serious role women and girls play in science and technology, engineering and mathematics education as well as training and research activities at all levels. This special moment, known as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, was proclaimed by The United Nations on 11 February and to be observed annually.

Things you can do on International Day of Women and Girls in Science

There are various kinds of activities that you can join on International Day of Women and Girls in Science organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other relevant organizations. Each year, events are held based on the year’s theme and for 2018 the theme chosen is “Equality and Parity in Science for Peace and Development”. For example on 8 until 9 February 2018, at the United Nations Headquarters, New York City, there will be a forum talking about the year’s theme, reviewing on plans and programs conducted by the United Nations related to Science, Technology and Innovation as well as other topics.

Besides that, you can also find events, seminars, debate etc. internationally supporting and promoting International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Government can also acknowledge the hard work and effort done by distinguish women and girls with special awards and presentation to honour their contribution towards the community.