International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Women have been interested in and dabbling in science for centuries, from ancient female chemists mixing perfumes to women astrologists learning about planets and stars. But, sadly, over the years women have not been given equal opportunity for education or jobs in science, many times working without ever receiving credit for their discoveries.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science seeks to balance out the gender gap by raising awareness and promoting the benefits of women and girls who participate in science.

How to Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Those who are looking for ways to observe and show appreciation for International Day of Women and Girls in Science might want to get started with some of these ideas:

Encourage Girls in Science

Teachers, parents, school administrators and youth workers can celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science by becoming more attentive and encouraging girls to pursue interests they have in science, math and other STEM subjects. Whether offering them extra tutoring to help them reach their goals, or assisting them in finding scholarships to pay for their education, this is a great time to provide encouragement for young women and girls who want to pursue a career in the field of science.

With the awareness that gender biases are pervasive and deeply rooted in society, particularly in scientific fields, it is that much more important that young women and girls be encouraged to overcome these biases and succeed. Breaking down stereotypes and championing gender equality is critical not only on this day, but all throughout the year!

Host a Women and Girls in Science Event

In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it might be fun to host an event that encourages females to participate and learn more. College or high school staff, community center leaders or libraries might choose to host a science fair, lecture series or other educational event with reputable women scientists who act as speakers and mentors. Providing women scientists as role models for younger girls is a great way to show inclusivity and re-train the gender-biased thinking that has surrounded science in the past.

Watch a Film Honoring Women in Science

Check out some of these interesting and entertaining films that show appreciation for scientific females in celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science:

• Code Girl (2018). This documentary film joins in on the stories of high school aged girls from all over the planet as they use technology to make their communities, and the world, a better place.
• Jane (2017). Revealing the stunning story of Jane Goodall, this biographical film by National Geographic offers insight into the way this female scientist integrated herself into the lives of chimpanzees.
• Mission Blue (2014). Sylvia Earle is the marine biologist, oceanographer and environmentalist featured in this documentary about her campaign to create safe marine sanctuaries in the world’s oceans.
• Picture a Scientist (2020). Selected for the Tribeca Film Festival, this documentary seeks to highlight the need for gender equality in the science fields, bringing to awareness various barriers that prominent women scientists have faced.

History of International Day of Women and Girls in Science

As in many fields, women have been unwelcome and even discriminated against when it comes to their participation in science. When, in 1903, Pierre Curie insisted that his Nobel Prize for Physics be shared with his wife, Marie, the world began a slow movement toward progress.

But, even Marie Curie had moved to France from her native Poland to find the opportunity to receive an education in science and to become a professor, simply because she was a woman in the late 19th century.

And now, more than 100 years later, women and girls in science are still typically being given fewer opportunities, less respect, smaller lab spaces, fewer grants and lower salaries than their male counterparts.

In 2015, the United National General Assembly made the decision to establish International Day of Women and Girls in Science to bring forward and promote the vital role that women play in the field of science. In collaboration with civil and society partners as well as institutions, UNESCO and UN Women are both responsible for implementing the activities and promotions for the day.

Since women account for just around 35% of workers in the various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, it is necessary that parents, teachers and schools begin to include girls in these disciplines at a younger age. International Day of Women and Girls in Science promotes full and equal access and participation in science, through education, opportunities, finances and more.