International Day of Women and Girls in Science

For centuries, women and girls have been engaged in science, but their achievements were not particularly appreciated because many countries lacked gender equality. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science has been since 2016 and was created to support the full participation of women of different ages in the development of science.

History

In December 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution ensuring the full access and participation in science of girls and women, regardless of age and race. This important decision was the basis for the establishment of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This holiday is annually on February 11.

In Europe, universities began to open in the Middle Ages, but girls and women were not admitted. Intelligent, educated women were forced to receive education within the walls of monasteries.

Thanks to the feminist movement, which gained momentum at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, supporters of conservative views gradually accepted the presence of female names in science.

In the 21st century, many prominent women and girls led scientific groups engaged in research in various fields. They made many discoveries in innovative technologies, medicine, astronomy, physics, and chemistry.

Interesting facts

• The Egyptian Merit-Ptah, who lived more than 5,000 years ago, is considered the first female scientist. She practiced treating patients with herbs and séances. On the tablet of the tomb of her son, who was the high priest, next to her name is the inscription “the chief physician.”
• More than 600 people have won the Nobel Prize in science, and only 23 of them are women.
• According to the latest statistics, only 30% of women and girls worldwide are engaged in scientific activities.
• Sofia Kovalevskaya was the first woman to become a professor of mathematics.
• Chemist and physicist Marie Sklodowska-Curie was the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics.

How to celebrate

On this day, international conferences, seminars, and symposia are held in all countries, where participants report on their achievements in various fields.

On February 11, it is common for women and girls who have contributed to science to receive various awards and prizes.

When is International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2025?

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on February 11 each year.

Observations