International Day of Women and Girls in Science

For centuries, women and girls have contributed to science, but their achievements often went unrecognized in societies lacking gender equality. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed since 2016, was established to support and encourage full participation by women of all ages in scientific advancement.

History

In December 2015, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution guaranteeing girls and women full access to and participation in science, regardless of age or race. This pivotal decision led to the creation of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated each year on February 11.

In Europe, universities began opening during the Middle Ages, but women and girls were not admitted. Educated women were often forced to learn in monasteries instead.

The feminist movement, which gathered momentum at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, gradually broke down barriers, leading to greater acceptance of women in science.

Today, women and girls lead scientific teams and make discoveries in fields such as technology, medicine, astronomy, physics, and chemistry.

Interesting Facts

• The Egyptian Merit-Ptah, who lived over 5,000 years ago, is regarded as the world’s first known female scientist. She practiced medicine using herbs and spiritual practices. Her son’s tomb inscription describes her as “the chief physician.”
• More than 600 people have won Nobel Prizes in science, but only 23 of them are women.
• Recent statistics show that only about 30% of women and girls worldwide are engaged in scientific research or careers.
• 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 Take Part

On this day, international conferences, seminars, and symposiums are held worldwide, where participants share achievements and research from various fields.

On February 11, women and girls who have made significant contributions to science are often honored with awards and prizes.

When is International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2026?

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

Observations