The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed on February 11, allows us to recognize women’s tremendous contributions to science while also focusing on the importance of girls pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through Resolution A/RES/70/212, adopted on 22nd December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish an annual International Day to commemorate the essential contribution women and girls play in science and technology. UNESCO and UN-Women, in conjunction with institutions and civil society partners, mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th. This day provides an opportunity to promote full and equal access to science for women and girls, as well as engagement in science. This year, UNESCO celebrates its 7th annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science since its establishment in 2015.
The Theme of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022
This year’s theme is “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us,” which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) of ensuring universal access to water and sanitation. The 7th International Day of Women and Girls in Science will be commemorated to highlight the essential role that women and girls can and do play as beneficiaries as well as agents of change in science and technology. The Day recognizes that progress in gender equality and advancement in science go hand-in-hand when addressing global concerns as part of UNESCO’s 2030 Agenda.
The Experience
The Assembly will bring together scientists and experts from around the world, as well as high-ranking government officials, representatives from international organizations, and representatives from the private sector, to discuss the role of water in achieving the three pillars of sustainable development: economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity.
Agenda 2030, the internationally accepted collective strategy to bringing the world closer to the principles of prosperity, equality, and sharing inscribed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and human rights treaties, is built on the principle of leaving no one behind. The UN framework for human development is founded on human rights. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), three essential factors in ensuring that no one is left behind, are translated by RASIT and Cansu Global.
Equity refers to how individuals are treated with fairness and justice so that they all have an equal chance to live healthy and productive lives. Diversity recognizes that development policies will have varying effects on people of different genders, socio-cultural, ethnic, and religious origins. The right to participate, regardless of social status, affiliation, or gender, is referred to as inclusion. An EDI approach to development can equip different groups in society with the resources and tools they need to succeed in life, permitting and empowering them to participate equally in development interventions that affect them.
Taking on some of the most difficult tasks outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, such as improving health and combating climate change, would necessitate the use of all available expertise. This necessitates a greater number of women working in these professions. Diversity in research increases the number of outstanding researchers by bringing in new ideas, talent, and innovation. This day serves as a reminder that women and girls play an important role in science and technology communities, and that their participation should be boosted.
The Significance of Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
- It’s a good time to start teaching young boys.
Not only do girls need to become used to being in STEM programs, but boys need to get used to having them there as well. Y4X is a global effort that helps young boys and men respect and acknowledge their female counterparts in science, as well as seek out women in science as mentors and role models.
- It’s a chance to thank people for their help.
Today is a day to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the achievements of women who have gone before us and made major contributions around the world.
- Now is the moment to seize possibilities.
Now is the time to support women of all ages and stages of their careers in the STEM field. We can’t afford to lose any talent in the technology sector, so discovering and keeping women who like and are talented in technology is critical for us all.
STEM needs women since it is the fastest-growing section of the workforce and firms are having difficulty finding qualified candidates. Today, have some fun learning about women who are making their own paths as tech trailblazers and helping young women who want to pursue STEM careers. Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!!!
