International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Observed every year on February 11, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science recognizes the critical role women and girls play in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It’s a day to celebrate achievements, confront persistent gender gaps, and encourage young women to envision themselves as future researchers, engineers, inventors, conservationists, and leaders in innovation.

Science needs diverse minds, and by including more women and girls in STEM, we unlock new creativity, insights, and solutions for global challenges.

A Look at Women’s Historical Contributions to Science

Although they were often unrecognized in their own time, women have made profound contributions to science throughout history. Some of the trailblazers include:

• Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win in two scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry).

• Rosalind Franklin, who contributed critical insights to the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure.

• Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space.

• Chien-Shiung Wu, a nuclear physicist whose work reshaped our understanding of particle physics.

• Katherine Johnson, a NASA mathematician whose calculations were integral to the U.S space missions—even as she worked in segregated conditions.

  
  

These women represent just a fraction of the female talent that helped—and continues to help—shape the world through scientific knowledge.

The Gender Gap Today

Even today, women remain underrepresented in science and technology sectors. While girls and boys show similar interest and ability in STEM subjects early in life, gender stereotypes and systemic inequalities often steer girls away from these fields by the time they reach adolescence.

Here are some sobering statistics:

• Women make up only 28% of the global workforce in STEM.

• In fields like engineering and computer science, women hold less than 20% of roles.

• Only 33% of researchers worldwide are women—and women-led research teams often receive less funding and less recognition.

• Bias and lack of mentorship continue to limit advancement for women already in these fields.

The gender gap isn’t due to a lack of interest or talent—it’s often a product of limited visibility, confidence barriers, and structural exclusion from opportunities.

Supporting Girls in STEM: What We Can Do

As caregivers, educators, and communities, we play a critical role in nurturing girls’ interests in STEM. Here’s how we can help:

1. Encourage curiosity through toys, books, and conversations. Let young girls tinker, build, explore, and ask questions—without labeling science as a “boy’s subject.”

2. Introduce girls to women scientists, engineers, coders, and mathematicians. Representation matters. Seeing someone “who looks like me” in a field increases confidence and motivation.

3. Enroll your child in coding camps, robotics clubs, science fairs, and virtual workshops. Use hands-on activities at home—from kitchen chemistry to nature journaling.

4. When you hear or see messages that present STEM as masculine, speak up. Teach girls to advocate for themselves and question limiting beliefs.

5. Normalize trial and error. Making mistakes is a key part of the scientific process. Reinforce the idea that effort and curiosity matter more than perfection.

6. Share wins—no matter how small. Whether it’s a completed project or a new fact learned, help girls take pride in their progress.

   
   

Looking Ahead: A Future of Equal Discovery

Gender inequality in science isn’t just a loss for women—it’s a loss for humanity. Today’s complex global challenges, from climate change to medical breakthroughs, demand perspectives and solutions from every corner of society. When more girls are equipped and empowered to explore science, we gain a generation of inventors, problem-solvers, and knowledge keepers.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a celebration—and a call to action. It’s a reminder that brilliance isn’t limited by gender and that science is better when it reflects all of us. By encouraging girls to dream big, explore boldly, and believe in their abilities, we help shape a future where their discoveries change the world. Let’s continue to lift up women in labs, in classrooms, on field sites, and in outer space—and create a world where girls don’t have to feel like the exception in science, but exactly where they belong.