International Day of Women and Girls in Science

For centuries, women and girls were engaged in science, but in ancient times their achievements were not particularly appreciated, because in many countries there was no gender equality. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science has been celebrated 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 appearance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This holiday is celebrated annually on February 11.

In Europe, universities began to open in the Middle Ages, but girls and women were not admitted there. Intelligent, educated representatives of the beautiful half of humanity 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 were not so irritated and gradually resigned themselves to the appearance 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 the field of innovative technologies, medicine, astronomy, physics and chemistry.

Interesting facts

• The Egyptian Merit-Ptah, who lived more than 5 thousand years ago, is considered the first female scientist. She practiced treating patients with herbs and séances. On the tablet of the tomb of the son of Merit-Ptah, who was the high priest, next to the name of the mother is engraved 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 in the world are engaged in scientific activities.
• Sofia Kovalevskaya is the first woman to become a professor of mathematics.
• Chemist and physicist Maria Skladovskaya-Curie became the first representative of the fair sex to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics.

How to celebrate

On this day, international conferences, seminars and symposia are held in all countries, the participants of which make reports on their achievements in a particular field.

On 11 February, it is not uncommon 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 celebrated in 2024?

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

Observations