What is International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

What is International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a United Nations observance that promotes full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. The holiday underscores the critical role of women and girls in science and technology communities and advocates for gender equality in these fields.

When is International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on February 11.

Why is International Day of Women and Girls in Science an important holiday?

Achieving gender equality in science is vital for building a better future for all. Women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases that can prevent them from pursuing and advancing in science careers, depriving the world of great talent. According to UNESCO, women still constitute less than one-third of researchers worldwide, underscoring why continued visibility, investment and workplace action matter.

Historical challenges and biases against women and girls in science

Historically, women were excluded from many formal education pathways and professional scientific societies, leaving a long-lasting impact on participation in science. That history still matters today: when young women and girls see fewer role models in labs, technical leadership and scientific decision-making, they may receive fewer signals that science is a place where they belong.

Current challenges and biases against women and girls in science

Despite progress, women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to face significant challenges. Unconscious biases in hiring, promotion and grant funding can disadvantage women, contributing to persistent underrepresentation in STEM roles. In the United States, the National Science Board reported that women made up 35% of the STEM workforce in 2021, compared with 47% of the employed U.S. population.

Technology adoption is another area for People and L&D leaders to watch. A 2024 New York Federal Reserve survey cited by Harvard Business School found that about half of men used generative AI in the previous 12 months, compared with about one-third of women. As AI tools become more common at work, organizations can help narrow participation gaps by offering targeted AI training, creating safe opportunities to experiment and making it clear that responsible AI use is encouraged for everyone.

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science at work in a meaningful and impactful way

Even if your organization isn’t a STEM-focused company, celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science can reinforce your commitment to gender equality. STEM employees exist across many industries, from IT teams to data analysts. By recognizing this day, you can create opportunities to support women in these roles while contributing to a culture of innovation and equity.

Promote STEM education for girls

You likely have employees with children, nieces or mentees who could use some extra support. Consider hosting or sponsoring STEM workshops or events for young girls in your community. Partner with local schools or nonprofits that focus on STEM education.

Internally, employees can be offered paid volunteer hours to mentor girls in STEM or host company-sponsored mentorship programs where employees can inspire future scientists.

Highlight female scientists

Recognize and celebrate women in your organization who work in STEM roles. Highlight their contributions in company newsletters, on social media or during a team meeting. Sharing their career journeys can inspire younger colleagues and create visibility for women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

If your company employs female scientists, engineers or technologists, host a panel or fireside chat featuring their experiences. This can be educational while helping younger employees feel represented.

Address unconscious bias

Unconscious bias training is critical in any workplace, but to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, consider focusing specifically on biases related to STEM. For instance, women in tech or engineering roles may experience their ideas being overlooked or may feel they need to prove their expertise more often than male colleagues.

Host a workshop or bring in a speaker to discuss these issues and provide actionable steps for improvement. Look at your internal data — are women in STEM roles at your company being promoted at the same rate as men? Are hiring and evaluation processes equitable? Sharing your findings and plans for improvement can demonstrate leadership accountability.

Support policies for gender equality

Go beyond celebrating by advocating for systemic change. If you’re in a leadership position, champion policies that create equity in hiring, pay and advancement opportunities. For example, consider offering scholarships for STEM-related certifications or degrees specifically for women employees.

Audit current policies to ensure they support work-life balance for women in demanding STEM roles, such as flexible hours or return-to-work programs after parental leave. Encourage partnerships with organizations that advance women in STEM fields and offer corporate sponsorship for their initiatives.

Additional ideas:

• Start a mentorship program: Pair STEM employees with senior leaders or external mentors to help them navigate their careers and break glass ceilings.
• Launch a STEM innovation challenge: Host a company-wide innovation competition to encourage creative ideas, focusing on empowering women to participate and lead teams.
• Collaborate with ERGs: Work with your employee resource groups (ERGs), particularly women-focused or tech-focused groups, to organize events or discussions.
• Bring AI readiness training to your team: Many employees benefit from AI training, and a dedicated session for women to experiment with AI in a supportive environment can help build confidence and adoption.

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science isn’t just about recognition — it’s about fostering a culture that values equity, diversity and innovation. People leaders have a unique opportunity to amplify these values and create actionable change, not just for one day but for the long term. By supporting the advancement of women in STEM, your organization contributes to a more inclusive workforce and a brighter future.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science FAQs

Who should recognize International Day of Women and Girls in Science at work?

Any organization can recognize the day, not just science or technology companies. HR, People and L&D leaders can use February 11 to support women in STEM roles, encourage inclusive leadership and connect learning programs to equity goals.

What is a simple way to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

A simple starting point is to spotlight women in STEM roles at your organization, host a short learning session on bias in STEM or sponsor mentoring opportunities for girls and early-career women interested in science and technology.

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