• The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on February 11.

• It is implemented by UNESCO and UN-Women, in collaboration with  institutions and civil society partners that aim to promote women and girls in science.

• This year’s celebration marks the 10th anniversary of this international day.

• This Day is an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. 

• Gender equality is a global priority for UNESCO, and the support of young girls, their education and their full ability to make their ideas heard are levers for development and peace. 

• Gender equality in science is crucial for building a better future for all. However, women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases in pursuing scientific careers.

• Closing the gender gap in science requires breaking stereotypes, promoting role models to inspire girls, supporting women’s advancement through targeted programs, and fostering inclusive environments through policies and actions that promote inclusion, diversity and equity.

• A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. 

• Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.

• Today, only one in three scientists is a woman. Lack of gender equality in science is not just a problem that affects women. It also limits scientific progress and hamstrings a country’s development and its efforts to build peaceful societies.

• According to a report, women make up just one-quarter (28 per cent) of tertiary graduates in engineering and 40 per cent of those in computer sciences. Just 22 per cent of professionals working in the field of AI are women.

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