International Day of Women and Girls in Science Observed Globally

Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day is being observed in various countries around the world, emphasizing the need to ensure equal access and participation for women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

This day began to be observed in 2016, following the resolution passed by the United Nations on December 22, 2015, deciding to celebrate every February 11 as this day.

Gender inequality has long persisted in all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects worldwide. Although women have made significant progress in expanding their participation in higher education, their representation in these fields remains low.

Gender equality has remained one of the key agendas of the United Nations. The global body has consistently stated that empowering women and girls and achieving gender equality contribute significantly not only to the world's economic development but also to achieving all the goals and objectives under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The UN Commission on the Status of Women, in its fifty-fifth session held on March 14, 2011, passed a report with agreed conclusions on expanding access and participation of women and girls in education, training, science, and technology, as well as promoting equal access for women to full employment and decent work.

Similarly, on December 20, 2013, the General Assembly passed a resolution on science, technology, and innovation, stating that ensuring full and equal access and participation for women and girls of all ages in science, technology, and innovation is indispensable for gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Emphasis has been placed on creating an environment where every girl can envision her future in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, and ensuring every woman has the opportunity to progress continuously in her scientific career.

On this occasion, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement emphasizing the need to ensure the full and equal participation of women and girls in science and technology.