Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Written by Pradnya Hegde

DEI Observances

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrated on February 11, is a global initiative aimed at recognizing and promoting the vital role that women and girls play in the field of science. The United Nations has named this year’s International Day of Women and Girls theme as: “Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability.” The goal is to work towards sustainable development — towards women’s economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity. 

According to the recent United States Census Bureau report, since 1970, the representation of women has increased across all STEM occupations, and they have made significant gains in social science occupations. But compared to men, women are still vastly underrepresented in the STEM workforce.

Consider these three challenges for women and girls in STEM: 

  1. Economic Prosperity: Women’s economic empowerment is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Reducing the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education areas could help reduce the skills gap, increase the employment and productivity of women, and reduce occupational segregation. Ultimately, this would foster economic growth via both higher productivity and increased labor market activity. 
  2. Social Justice: Social justice in STEM may be defined as ensuring that all students, irrespective of their cultural, religious, gender identities, nationality, and socio-economic backgrounds, are respected, welcomed, and honored in the STEM study and workforce.
  3. Environmental Integrity: A scientific report published by Nature.com indicates that environmental factors that potentially shape women’s and girls’ decisions to pursue a career in STEM include family dynamics, societal and cultural factors, career-related considerations, and the absence of female role models and mentors.

Increasing the Participation of Women and Girls in STEM

Support the access and empowerment of women and girls in STEM by: 

  • Providing STEM Mentoring Opportunities: Starting from the school level, there is a need for more groups that encourage women to go into the STEM fields. Consider becoming a mentor or finding a mentor to support you. To find a mentor, check out this WWCode article, “Thriving Through Mentorship: How to Find the Right Mentor.” 
  • Eradicating Stereotypes: Challenge stereotypes that discourage women and girls from STEM fields and work to create environments where diversity is celebrated.
  • Promoting Inclusivity: Encourage more women and girls to pursue STEM education and careers, creating a diverse talent pool for innovation.
  • Advocating for Equal Pay: Ensure that women in STEM are compensated fairly.

Finding Your STEM Community 

Women and girls in science are underrepresented, but you are not alone. Connect with others digitally and in your local community through: 

  • Women Who Code: WWCode provides resources to empower diverse women to excel in technology careers. It is a community of coders, data scientists, designers, and engineers. It helps you connect with your peers and expand your network by attending events and volunteering opportunities.
  • Society of Women Engineers: The Society of Women Engineers is dedicated to increasing women’s participation in multiple engineering fields. 
  • Society for Science: Attend a science festival in your area. 

Giving women equal opportunities to pursue STEM careers helps to enhance women’s economic security and ensures a socially just and diverse workforce. Whether you are a woman in STEM or an ally of girls and women, you can begin today to support women and girls to ensure a more equitable and inclusive future for science.