Transforming Science: Celebrating Women’s Contributions To STEM Fields – Analysis

February 7, 2025 Dr. Baljinder Kour 0 Comments

By Dr. Baljinder Kour and Dr. Balinder Singh

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Recognizing the gender gap in these fields, the UN General Assembly passed resolution 70/212 on December 22, 2015, officially designating February 11 as the day to commemorate this cause. Each year, a specific theme is selected to highlight key aspects of gender equality in science and to foster discussions on eliminating barriers to women’s participation in STEM.

Implementation and Collaborative Efforts

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is implemented annually by UNESCO in collaboration with UN Women. These organizations work alongside national governments, intergovernmental entities, civil society partners, universities, and corporations to promote gender equality in scientific fields. Their efforts not only encourage the involvement of women in STEM but also celebrate those who have already made significant contributions to these disciplines.

Background and Context

Historically, women have been underrepresented in science and technology fields. Between the 1960s and 1980s, there was a steady increase in the number of women obtaining science and engineering degrees in American universities. However, this progress reached a plateau from the 1980s onward. A 2013 study in the UK revealed that there had been little change in female participation in STEM over the previous 25 years. Social barriers, such as expectations of women’s roles in the home, early marriage, and discriminatory labor market practices, have hindered women in developing regions like Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean from pursuing scientific education and careers.

These barriers continue to persist today, often manifesting in gender biases. Another 2013 study in the UK found that girls were less likely to be encouraged to study physics by their teachers, family, and peers. Additionally, regional disparities exist in female participation in science. For instance, in the United States, low enrollment in scientific education leads to fewer women in STEM careers. In contrast, the Arab world sees high female enrollment in scientific fields—between 60% and 80% of total enrollments—yet career and social barriers prevent women from advancing professionally.

Adoption by the United Nations

On December 22, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted resolution 70/212, proclaiming February 11 as the annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The resolution called on member states, UN organizations, the private sector, and individuals to participate in educational and awareness-raising activities to promote gender equality in STEM fields.

The resolution also drew upon prior UN commitments, including resolution 70/1, “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” which outlines the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly in education and gender equality. Additionally, resolution 68/220 was referenced, emphasizing the necessity of full and equal participation of women in science, technology, and innovation for gender empowerment.

Annual Commemorations and Themes

Every year on February 11, the United Nations hosts the International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly. This event gathers representatives from UN member states, international organizations, the private sector, and leading scientists to discuss strategies for increasing female participation in STEM fields. The assembly is co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Bhutan, Chile, Ecuador, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Mexico, Nigeria, Republic of Korea, San Marino, and Uzbekistan. Each year, a central theme guides discussions and initiatives.

Annual Themes:

2016: Transforming the World: Parity in Science
2017: Gender, Science and Sustainable Development: The Impact of Media – From Vision to Action
2018: Equality and Parity in Science for Peace and Development
2019: Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth
2020: Equality in Science, Technology and Innovation: Global Trends and Challenges
2021: Beyond the Borders: Equality in Science for Society
2022: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us
2023: Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain. IDEAS: Bringing Everyone Forward for Sustainable and Equitable Development
2024: Women and Girls in Science Leadership – a New Era for Sustainability

Recognition by Government Organizations

In addition to the UN Assembly, various national governments and governmental organizations actively support and promote initiatives related to the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. These initiatives often focus on raising awareness, increasing funding for female-led scientific projects, and fostering inclusive educational environments for women pursuing STEM careers. For example, in 2022, Maryland’s First Lady, Yumi Hogan, publicly supported the observance at the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division, highlighting the role of women in forensic sciences.

Conclusion

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves as a crucial reminder of the gender disparities in STEM fields and the need for continued efforts to bridge this gap. Through collaborative initiatives led by UNESCO, UN Women, and various governments, the observance not only raises awareness but also encourages systemic changes to ensure that women and girls have equal opportunities to excel in scientific disciplines. As the world moves toward achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, this annual observance plays a pivotal role in fostering gender equality and promoting scientific advancements that benefit all of humanity.

Authors:

Dr. Baljinder Kour, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Akal University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
Dr. Balinder Singh, Former Research Scholar and Academician, Ph.D. in Political Science, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, India.

References