2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science

On February 11, 2025, the world commemorated the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a United Nations-designated observance that underscores the critical role women and girls play in science and technology.

"Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science"

This year's theme, "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science," highlights the importance of amplifying women's voices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges women and girls face in these disciplines and the need for continued efforts to achieve gender equality in STEM.

A key event for this year's celebration took place in Paris, France, at UNESCO. The program focused on two crucial themes:

• The Power of Diversity and Inclusion in Shaping the Future of STEM
• Inspiring Change through Media Representation of Women in Science

The event concluded with a special screening of the documentary *Women of Science* (“Électrons Libres”), which showcases the journeys of six European women scientists. Notable speakers, including Ayumi Moore Aoki, joined the celebration, marking an important milestone in advancing gender equality in science and technology. The event also aligns with UNESCO's broader initiatives, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033).

Organizations worldwide marked the occasion with various events and initiatives. At CERN, female scientists shared their stories and advice for future generations, emphasizing the diversity of career paths in STEM. The European Space Agency (ESA) celebrated by showcasing women across Europe who are making significant contributions to science and technology, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in research.

In the United States, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock hosted events to encourage young women to pursue STEM careers, featuring mentorship programs and discussions with female professionals in the field.

The observance also serves as a call to action to address the gender disparities that persist in STEM fields. Despite progress, women represent just one-third of the global scientific community, and significant barriers remain in terms of funding, publishing opportunities, and leadership positions.

As we celebrate the achievements of women and girls in science, it is essential to continue advocating for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and empower the next generation of female scientists and innovators.

Sources: International Day of Women and Girls in Science | United Nations

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^{Published on this website: February 12, 2025}