What is International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

What is International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a United Nations observance that promotes full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. The holiday underscores the critical role of females in science and technology communities and advocates for gender equality in these fields.

When is International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on February 11.

Why is International Day of Women and Girls in Science an important holiday?

Achieving gender equality in science is vital for building a better future for all. Women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases that prevent them from pursuing careers in science, depriving the world of great talent. Currently, “women make up only one-third of the global scientific community and, compared to men, they get less funding, are underrepresented in publications and hold fewer senior positions in major universities.”

Historical challenges and biases against women and girls in science

Historically, women have been excluded from formal education and professional scientific societies, leading to a long-lasting impact on their participation in science. “This historical underrepresentation of women in science has led to a lack of female role models, which can discourage young women from pursuing scientific careers,” explains Eurasia Review.

Current challenges and biases against women and girls in science

Despite progress, women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to face significant challenges. Unconscious biases in hiring, promotion and grant funding can disadvantage women, leading to their disproportionately low representation in STEM. In fact, according to MIT, as of 2023, we see “women making up only 28% of the STEM workforce.” The share drops to 24% in the United States.

Additionally, women are significantly less likely than men to use generative AI tools. Federal Reserve data from February 2024 shows that nearly 40% of women reported not using AI at all, compared to only 20% of men. This disparity highlights a growing challenge in workplace technology adoption, as AI tools are becoming critical for productivity and innovation. The reasons for this gap often include a lack of targeted AI training, fewer opportunities to explore AI safely, and workplace cultures that fail to demystify these technologies. Addressing this imbalance is crucial to ensure women aren't left behind in the evolving digital economy.

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science at work in a meaningful and impactful way

Even if your organization isn’t a STEM-focused company, celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science can reinforce your commitment to gender equality. STEM employees exist across many industries, from IT teams to data analysts. By recognizing this day, you can create opportunities to support women in these roles while contributing to a culture of innovation and equity.

Promote STEM education for girls

You likely have employees with children, nieces or mentees who could use some extra support. Consider hosting or sponsoring STEM workshops or events for young girls in your community. Partner with local schools or nonprofits that focus on STEM education.

Internally, employees can be offered paid volunteer hours to mentor girls in STEM or host company-sponsored mentorship programs where employees can inspire future scientists.

Highlight female scientists

Recognize and celebrate women in your organization who work in STEM roles. Highlight their contributions in company newsletters, on social media or during a team meeting. Sharing their career journeys can inspire younger colleagues and create visibility for women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

If your company employs female scientists, engineers or technologists, host a panel or fireside chat featuring their experiences. This can be educational while helping younger employees feel represented.

Address unconscious bias

Unconscious bias training is critical in any workplace, but to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, consider focusing specifically on biases related to STEM. For instance, women in tech or engineering often report their ideas being overlooked or needing to prove their expertise more than male colleagues.

Host a workshop or bring in a speaker to discuss these issues and provide actionable steps for improvement. Look at your internal data — are women in STEM roles at your company being promoted at the same rate as men? Are hiring and evaluation processes equitable? Sharing your findings and plans for improvement can demonstrate leadership accountability.

Support policies for gender equality

Go beyond celebrating by advocating for systemic change. If you’re in a leadership position, champion policies that create equity in hiring, pay and advancement opportunities. For example, consider offering scholarships for STEM-related certifications or degrees specifically for women employees.

Audit current policies to ensure they support work-life balance for women in demanding STEM roles, such as flexible hours or return-to-work programs after parental leave. Encourage partnerships with organizations that advance women in STEM fields and offer corporate sponsorship for their initiatives.

Additional ideas:

• Start a mentorship program: Pair STEM employees with senior leaders or external mentors to help them navigate their careers and break glass ceilings.
• Launch a STEM innovation challenge: Host a company-wide innovation competition to encourage creative ideas, focusing on empowering women to participate and lead teams.
• Collaborate with ERGs: Work with your employee resource groups (ERGs), particularly women-focused or tech-focused groups, to organize events or discussions.
• Bring AI readiness training to your team: All of your employees can use AI readiness training, but a special training session for women to experiment with AI might be just the launch pad they need to embrace AI to its fullest.

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science isn’t just about recognition — it’s about fostering a culture that values equity, diversity and innovation. People leaders have a unique opportunity to amplify these values and create actionable change, not just for one day but for the long term. By supporting the advancement of women in STEM, your organization contributes to a more inclusive workforce and a brighter future.

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