International Day of Women and Girls in Science

In a male-dominant society, The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a day to celebrate womanhood and its milestones in STEM fields.

Women in Science (Source: Women Rock Science)

“I write towards women, for women.” (Helene Cixous, The Laugh of Medusa)

In a man’s world, to be a woman, and on top of it, to be a woman scientist is indeed an act of rebellion. Ranging from the celebrated story of Marie Curie to the tale of EK Janaki Ammal’s floral success, even though the saga of women revolutionaries is impactful, the academic stream of sciences still remains inaccessible and inadequately representative of women. It is because of this lack of representation and credit that the United Nations established the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is celebrated on February 10 every year at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The theme for this year is “Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain.”, which focuses on showcasing the innovative solutions and work of women and girls in science to demonstrate their capabilities, elevate their status, advance their participation, and sustain the progress made towards gender equality in science. This year, the focus of the IDWGIS is on the role of women and girls in science concerning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in review at the forthcoming High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), which are SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17.

This event aims to promote equality in science, technology, and innovation for sustainable socioeconomic development. It will also include, for the first time, a science workshop for blind girls and a session from blind scientists on “Science in Braille: Making Science Accessible”. The eighth assembly of the IDWGIS will feature two high-level panels and four interactive conversations with distinguished representatives from governments, inter-governmental organizations, the private sector, academia, and blind and deaf scientists. The voice of “Girls in Science 4 SDGs International Platform” and youth will be present in every conversation.

The idea is to create a world where women can live, work, and thrive in safety and with dignity. Women's empowerment is not just a women's issue but a human rights issue that is essential for a fair and just society. Together, we can work towards a future where women are truly empowered and where gender equality is a reality for all. It is imperative to know that women are trailblazers, breaking through barriers and shattering glass ceilings. They are the ones who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible and making groundbreaking discoveries that change the world. Their brilliance is undeniable and their contributions to the field of science are invaluable.

We must encourage and support young girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We must provide them with role models, mentors, and resources to help them succeed. By doing so, we can ensure that the future of science is one that is brighter, more innovative, and more inclusive.