The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is observed annually on February 11 across the globe to highlight the importance of promoting equal access and participation for women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The day also emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls within the scientific community.
- February 11 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the IDWGIS and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
- These represent two significant milestones in the ongoing global effort to promote gender equality and empower women.
Note: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and UN-Women lead the celebration, in collaboration with numerous institutions and civil society organizations dedicated to advancing women and girls in science.
Background:
i.On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution on science, technology, and innovation for development.
- This resolution recognized that full and equal access to science, technology, and innovation for women and girls of all ages is essential for achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.
ii.Building on these efforts, on December 22, 2015, the UNGA adopted resolution A/RES/70/212, officially proclaiming February 11th as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
iii.The first-ever IDWGIS was observed on February 11, 2016.
India’s STEM Empowerment:
India has made notable strides in promoting gender parity in STEM through the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology(MoS&T) implemented the WISE-KIRAN (Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN) scheme. The government of India(GoI) launched several initiatives under this scheme,
i.Women in Science and Engineering-Doctorate of Philosophy (WISE-PhD): Supports women pursuing Ph.D. in 5 subject areas of basic and applied sciences.
ii.WISE-Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF): Offers opportunities for women to continue research post-Ph.D. with independent project grants.
iii.Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations (WIDUSHI): Assists women scientists nearing retirement or without permanent positions but excelling in research.
iii.WISE-Societal Challenges with Opportunities (SCOPE): Encourages women scientists to tackle societal challenges using Science & Technology (S&T) interventions.
iv.WISE-Internship in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Provides 1-year training in IPR for women to develop core professional skills.
v.Women International Grant Support (WINGS): Offers opportunities for Indian women scientists to undertake research in international labs and institutions.
vi.Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE): Supports women’s institutions in establishing cutting-edge research infrastructure to foster innovation and excellence in S&T.
vii.Vigyan Jyoti: Encourages girls to pursue STEM education and careers, in underrepresented fields.
viii.Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI): Develops a Charter for Gender Equity in STEMM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics & Medicine) to drive institutional transformation.
National Challenge:
i.India has the highest percentage (%) of women STEM graduates globally about 40% in 2021-22. Only 14% of STEM jobs in India are held by women.
ii.Almost half of science PhD students in India are women, yet they make up fewer than 20% of working scientists. Women represent only 9.2% of engineering faculty and 25.5% of biology faculty in India.
iii.There is an 81% gender gap in research and development in India and only 19% of scientists are women.
iv.Women are predominantly in entry-level roles (29%) in STEM, with representation dropping to just 14% in leadership roles.
Note: As of 2024, women account for only 27% of India’s STEM workforce.
2025 Events:
i.On 11 February 2025, UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France hosted a hybrid celebration marking the 10th anniversary of IDWGIS, focusing on the title“Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”.
ii.The event brought together governments, scientists, industry leaders, journalists, and students to reflect on women’s contributions to science and the importance of gender equality in STEM.
iii.Key sessions include:
- Unpacking STEM Careers: Speakers discussed the power of diversity in scientific innovation and the opportunities STEM careers provide.
- Her Voice in Science: A roundtable exploring the media’s role in reshaping perceptions of women in science.
iv.The event concluded with a screening of the documentary ‘Women of Science: These Women Who Change Our Lives’, showcasing the journeys of 6 women scientists.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director-General (DG)– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established– 1945 (came into force in 1946)
