International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024: History, Theme, And Celebration

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually to recognise the achievements and contributions of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This day recognises the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in the scientific community. 

International Women and Girls in Science Day is celebrated on February 11. In this article, you will learn what the International Day of Women and Girls in Science means, when it takes place, its significance and how it is celebrated.

History of International Day of Women and Girls in Science

On March 14, 2011, at its fifty-fifth session, the Commission on the Status of Women adopted a report with agreed conclusions on access and participation of women and girls in education, training, science and technology and on promoting women’s equal access to full employment and decent work. On 20 December 2013, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on science, technology and innovation for development, recognizing that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is essential for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

At all levels of STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), there has been a significant gender gap around the world for years. Although women have made tremendous progress in increasing their participation in higher education, they are still underrepresented in these fields.

Gender equality has always been a key issue for the United Nations. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a decisive contribution to the world’s economic development and progress on all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

What Are The Achievements in Women’s Contribution to Science?

If we explore the course of history, we will find how remarkable ideas have emerged from the brilliant minds of women and girls in science. Women and science go hand in hand when we count the significant milestones in history. They have changed the thinking of scientists in various scientific fields. It is thanks to their research, inventions, innovations and discoveries that we can enjoy so many things in our lives today and have a bright future ahead of us.

Nevertheless, there are not as many women as men in the scientific field. Women have at various times defied all odds to pursue their love of science. They have shown how they can blossom and shine when given the right environment.

Be it Madame Curie or Shakuntala Devi, we have witnessed miracles. Madame Curie is the only woman to have won the Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry only 8 years apart. Shakuntala Devi is a child prodigy who can solve any math problem, no matter how complex, using only her mind. She is known as the human-computer of India. Let us talk about women in science and technology.

According to UNESCO, women make up 30% of researchers worldwide. This percentage is disproportionately high compared to the percentage of men in the same field. For this reason, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated.

Importance of Celebrating Women in Science

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it is crucial to recognise and value the contributions of women and girls in the field of science. 

To promote gender equality: The day emphasizes the importance of achieving gender equality in STEM disciplines and promoting equal opportunities for women and girls in science education and careers.

Highlighting achievements: The day recognizes the achievements and innovations of women scientists and highlights their contributions to research, technology and scientific progress.

Inspiring future generations: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves as an inspiration for young girls and students to choose studies and careers in STEM subjects and to overcome stereotypes and prejudices.

Advocating for inclusion: The day calls for greater inclusion of women in decision-making and leadership roles within the scientific community.

The theme for International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 theme is “Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability” and the sub-theme is “Think Science … Think Peace”.

Activities and Events of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024

There are many different activities and events to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024. Let us take a look at some of the ideas you can consider:

1. Conferences and workshops: Educational institutions, research organizations and governments often organize conferences, workshops and seminars that focus on the participation of women in STEM subjects. These events provide a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing.

2. Recognition of role models: Women who have excelled in STEM subjects are recognized and celebrated for their achievements, serving as role models for aspiring female scientists.

3. STEM outreach programs: Many institutions conduct outreach programs to encourage young girls to explore STEM subjects, participate in hands-on experiments and connect with female scientists.

4. Social media campaigns: The day is promoted through social media campaigns, using hashtags such as #WomenInScience and #GirlsInSTEM to share stories, profiles and achievements of women in the field.

Inspiring Stories of Women In Science

Let’s have a look at the stories of some aspiring women who contributed immensely 

1. Janaki Ammal

Without her, sugar might not be as sweet as it is today. She was a cytogeneticist and botanist by profession who broke the stereotypical rules imposed by society and did her best to research thousands of plant species. She was the one who found the reason for sweetening sugar. This innovation is credited to her and she was awarded the Padma Shree in 1977.

2. Anna Mani

She was born in 1918. At that time, women were not allowed to study science or break the so-called social rules. She defied all these rules and started her research in the field of meteorology. She also worked under the brilliant Prof. CV Raman and made a significant contribution to meteorology.

3. Tessy Thomas

Born in 1963, this woman broke the usual social rules and became one of the leading scientists in charge of an Indian rocket project. Imagine how she made a brilliant contribution in a male-dominated scientific field at the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).

4. Kalpana Chawla

Who does not know her name? She was the first female aeronautical engineer of Indian descent from the Indian state of Haryana. She was the engineer selected by NASA to fly to the International Space Station. She is the first Indian woman and the second Indian woman after Rakesh Sharma to fly into space.

5. Shakuntala Devi

As mentioned earlier, she is known as the human-computer of India. Her remarkable ability to perform complex mathematical operations within a few seconds amazed the whole world. She once calculated the 23rd root of a number with 201 digits.

The root of a number with 201 digits. She did this in her mind, without using an instrument or even a pencil, and did it 12 seconds faster than the UNIVAC, the fastest computer in 1977. You will be surprised to know that Shakuntala Devi had no formal education. She proved her math skills when she was 6 years old.

All these names are proof that women have played a significant role in the development of science and technology. These names are exclusively of Indian origin. Imagine how long this list would be if the international names of women scientists and inventors were included.

Increased participation of women in science and technology will increase the talent pool and lead to outstanding results in the future.

Challenges and Opportunities Faced By Women

There are a number of challenges that women face before and after entering academia. Here are the possible challenges based on observations of society and the education industry:

Early years

It is thought that girls have less experience with activities and toys that spark their interest in science. Others suggest that girls are more critical of their abilities and tend to underestimate themselves, so they may not believe they are ‘good enough’ to study a STEM subject at university.

Making decisions at school

Studies have shown that girls’ test results in science subjects are just as good as those of boys. However, as they often do well in other subjects too, girls have more choices when choosing their subject. This has an obvious influence on their future career choices.

On Ground Experience

Another factor could be the fact that the thought of being part of a small minority in a course of study or profession could discourage girls from preparing for a career in research or engineering. There is a general fear that if you are a minority you will be discriminated against and have to work much harder to succeed.

Opportunities for Women in Science Field 

India is committed to promoting gender equality and inclusion in science and technology through the following key initiatives targeted exclusively at women scientists, researchers and students.

There are a lot of grants and scholarships that are available for women and girls who want to ace the world of science. 

Some examples of grants and initiatives: 

For Post Graduate Students

• Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)

• Consolidation of University Research For Innovation And Excellence in Women (CURIE)

• Women Scientist Scheme-A (WOS-A)

• Women Scientist Scheme-C (WOS-C)

• Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation Programme (Bio-CARe) for Women Scientists

• Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B)

For Graduate Students

• Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child

• Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)

• Consolidation of University Research For Innovation And Excellence in Women (CURIE)

• Women Scientist Scheme-A (WOS-A)

• Women Scientist Scheme-C (WOS-C)

For School Students

• INSPIRE – SHE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research – Scholarship for Higher Education)

• PRAGATI Scholarship for Girl Students for Technical Education

• Vigyan Jyoti Scheme

For Researchers / Scientists / Academicians

• SERB – POWER Research Grants

• Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)

• Biotechnology Career Advancement & Re-orientation Programme (BioCARe)

• SERB Women Excellence Award

• Mobility Scheme

• SERB – POWER Mobility Grant

For Grassroots

• Biotechnology-based Programme for Women

• Women Technology Parks (WTP)

For S&T Organisations and NGOs

• Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI)

• Technology Development and Utilization Programme for Women (TDUPW)

• Women Technology Parks (WTP)

For Entrepreneurs

• Women Entrepreneurs Quest (WEQ)

• Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)

Conclusion

The significance of diversity and inclusivity in the scientific community is underscored by the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It acknowledges that historically, women and girls have made substantial contributions to STEM fields and that they ought to be given equal opportunities and respect.

We honour the women and girls who have dismantled obstacles and cleared the path for upcoming generations of scientists on this day. The International Day for Women in Science is a chance to reaffirm our dedication to gender parity in science and inspire youth to investigate the limitless opportunities in STEM fields.

Let’s keep encouraging and supporting women and girls in the scientific fields and making sure that their contributions to knowledge and innovation are valued.

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