International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022, Theme, Significance and Agenda

When is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

On 22 December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designated the 11th day of February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Throughout the world, this day celebrates the crucial role women and girls play in science and technology.

UNESCO and UN Women celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, in collaboration with intergovernmental organizations and institutions, as well as civil society partners, whose aim is to encourage girls and women to pursue science. It aims to promote women's and girls' full and equal participation in science.

History of International Day of Women and Girls in Science:

During the UN General Assembly on 22 December 2015, a resolution named A/RES/70/212 was enacted establishing 11th February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. UNESCO, UN Women, and the civil society organizations all announced their acceptance later.

Significance of International Day of Women and Girls in Science:

On 22 December 2015 the UN General Assembly decided to recognize the critical role that women and girls play in science and technology with an annual observance. Since then, the day has been utilized to promote the contributions of women and girls in science and technology.

Over time, in most STEM fields worldwide, there has remained an extremely large gender imbalance. In addition, women have made remarkable strides in becoming more involved in higher education, but they remain underrepresented in these sector.

Women have made tremendous contributions to science since the dawn of time, and the international day of women and girls in science celebrates their contribution and promotes careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The main purpose of this day is to promote awareness about the importance of bringing qualified female human resources into the limelight and giving equal opportunities to women in science and technology.

Theme of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022:

Women and girls are key agents of change not only as beneficiaries, but also as agents of progress, including for accelerating progress in achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation); "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us", will be the topic of the 7th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly.

The theme of the 2021 International Day of Women and Girls in Science was "Women Scientists at the forefront of the war against COVID-19."

Agenda of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022:

To discuss how the water nexus contributes to the three pillars of sustainable development, the event will bring together women in science and experts from around the world, high-ranking representatives of the public sector, as well as representatives of international organizations. Three main components of prosperity are social justice, economic justice, and environmental integrity.

How can young women be encouraged to pursue careers in science?

• It is crucial for parents to introduce all children, boys and girls, to fun, educational activities and toys that inspire them to build and create, as well as pique their curiosity about the world around them and how it operates.
• Many businesses and science departments are implementing mentor programs to encourage, assist, and support women in minority groups. Moreover, senior women are eager to help younger women break into their field.
• Women scientists from several organizations visit schools and speak to girls about their work. Some schools ask older female students studying STEM topics to engage younger students in conversations about their enthusiasm. Moreover, universities and research institutions open their labs to schools, which allows students to learn about scientific research up close.
• Making sure girls see many examples of successful women scientists in news and media is one of the most important things one can do.