The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is annually observed across the globe on 11 February to promote full and equal access to and participation of women and girls in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
- The day also recognises the significance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in the scientific community.
11 February 2024 marks the observance of the 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
- The theme of IDWGIS 2024 is “Women and Girls in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability”
- The subtheme of IDWGIS 2024 is “Think Science … Think Peace”.
Note: The Day is implemented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and UN-Women, in collaboration with institutions and civil society partners that aim to promote women and girls in science.
Background:
i.On 22 December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/70/212 and proclaimed the 11 February of each year as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
ii.The 1st ever IDWGIS was observed on 11 February 2016.
UN’s Commitment to Gender Equality:
i.The UN prioritises gender equality, recognizing its pivotal role in achieving all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
ii.On 14th March 2011, the 55th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) adopted a report with conclusions focusing on women’s access to education, training, and participation in science and technology.
- CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
iii.On 20th December 2013, UNGA adopted a resolution underlining the imperative of women’s equal access to science, technology, and innovation for overall gender equality and empowerment.
2024 Events:
i.On 9th Febrauary 2024, UNESCO in collaboration with L’Association fédérative nationale des étudiant.e.s universitaires scientifiques (AFNEUS) organised an event in Paris, France to mark the IDWGIS 2024.
- The event also unveiled the UNESCO Call to Action “Closing the gender gap in science”.
ii.The 9th IDWGIS Assembly took place on 8-9 February 2024 in New York, the United States of America (USA).
- It was co-organised by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), and the Permanent Missions of Costa Rica, Lebanon, Malta, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, and Spain, to the UN.
iii.The 9th Assembly discussed women’s leadership in achieving the 3 pillars of Sustainable Development, namely economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity.
iv.The 9th Assembly also featured, for the first time, a STEM EXPO for Girls and female youth on the 8th of February 2024.
Key Facts:
i.Currently, women remain significantly underrepresented, making up only 29.2% of all STEM workers, compared to 49.3% across non-STEM occupations.
ii.Only 35% of all students in STEM-related fields of study are women.
iii.The UNESCO Science Report highlights a gender gap in science revealing that women constitute just one-third of scientists and 37% of ocean science professionals.
- The global average of female researchers in the scientific community is only 33%.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director-General– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
Establishment– 1945 (came into force in 1946)
