Celebrating Women in Innovation and Discovery

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed annually on February 11, highlights the crucial role of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This day serves as a reminder of the gender gap in scientific fields and the need to create more opportunities for women and girls in science. Despite making significant contributions to scientific advancements, women have historically been underrepresented in STEM careers due to societal and institutional barriers. Encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science not only promotes gender equality but also strengthens scientific innovation and global progress.

Origin and Recognition

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015 to promote full and equal access to science for women and girls. The initiative was supported by UNESCO and UN-Women, emphasising the importance of gender equality in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This day serves as a platform to recognise the contributions of women in scientific fields and to address the challenges they face in pursuing careers in STEM.

Each year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated with a unique theme that highlights specific issues related to women in STEM. The 2025 theme focuses on “Women and Girls in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability”. This theme underscores the importance of female leadership in driving sustainable scientific solutions for global challenges like climate change, health crises, and technological advancements. By empowering women in leadership roles, the scientific community can benefit from diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.

Real-Life Examples of Women in Science

Throughout history, numerous women have made ground-breaking contributions to science, paving the way for future generations. Some inspiring examples include:

• Marie Curie (1867–1934) – A physicist and chemist, Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). Her work in radioactivity led to major advancements in medical science.
• Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958) – A chemist whose research on X-ray diffraction was critical in discovering the DNA double helix structure, although her contributions were long overlooked.
• Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) – A NASA mathematician whose calculations were essential for space missions, including the first American orbital spaceflight. Her work was later recognized in the movie Hidden Figures.
• Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw – An Indian entrepreneur and scientist who founded Biocon, one of India’s leading biotechnology companies, contributing to affordable healthcare solutions.
• Gitanjali Rao – A young scientist and inventor, she was named TIME’s Kid of the Year 2020 for her innovative work in science and technology.

The primary goal of this day is to inspire and support women and girls in science by addressing challenges such as gender bias, lack of mentorship, and limited career opportunities. Schools, universities, and organizations must actively encourage STEM education for girls, provide equal research opportunities, and ensure representation in leadership roles.