February 11, 2024:

International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Every year, "International Day of Women and Girls in Science" is celebrated around the world on February 11.

The annual observance was established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science holds great significance as the UNGA recognised that to achieve gender equality and female empowerment, it is essential to promote the full and equal access of females to participate in science, technology, and innovation. The two key United Nations organisations responsible for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science are UNESCO and UN Women.

Although Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields are widely regarded as critical to national economies, so far, most countries, no matter their level of development, have not achieved gender equality in STEM. Hence, this day plays an important role in highlighting the need for women and girls in these fields.

The theme for 2024 is: “Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability”.