International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a global observance that recognizes and celebrates the fundamental role of women and girls across all fields of science. The objective is to promote gender equality within scientific sectors by overcoming traditional barriers and biases. This occasion critically aims to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and to recognize the significant contributions they make to these fields.

The United Nations General Assembly established this observance in 2015, with an understanding of the decisive role of gender equality in achieving international sustainable development goals. In New Zealand's context, the day carries considerable importance due to persistent gender inequities in its STEM workforce. Although women represent half of the country's total labour force, they comprise less than one-third of the workforce in high-tech industries. Initiatives promoted on this day provide tools to cultivate interest in science among young women and girls, while highlighting the achievements of New Zealand's female scientists.

Observing the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in New Zealand typically involves a range of activities aimed at highlighting the contributions of women to the sciences and pushing for greater inclusion and representation. These might include educational talks, science fairs, mentoring programs, social media campaigns and award presentations. New Zealand, along with other countries, marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11th February each year, reaffirming its commitment to challenging gender stereotypes and promoting diversity in scientific fields.

Facts about Women and Girls in Science

• The theme for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2024 was Women and Girls in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability. The theme for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2023 was Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain. (I.D.E.A.S.): Bringing Everyone Forward for Sustainable and Equitable Development. The theme for 2022 was Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us.
• According to UNESCO, fewer than 30% of researchers worldwide are women. Additionally, only 35% of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields worldwide are women.
• There are programs like Girls Who Code and She++ that aim to close the gap related to gender in technology and inspire young girls.
• . In 1969, Pamela Young became the first New Zealand woman to work in Antarctica. Since then, several other women from New Zealand have worked in Antarctica, contributing to our understanding of the continent's biology, geology, and climate.
• New Zealand has had a strong history of important women scientists, such as the late Beatrice Tinsley, who was one of the world's leading astronomers and made breakthroughs in the field of galaxy evolution.

In the News and Trending in NZ for International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• Discover 12 notable women in STEM who have made a lasting impact on history.
• Learn how to get children interested in STEM. Some tips include cooking and baking as the mixing and measuring of values can create an interest in science. Other tips include using more math in everyday life. Discover more tips.
• Watch a film to learn more about Women and Girls in Science:
  She Started It: This documentary follows five young women over two years as they pitch VCs, build teams, bring products to market, fail and start again.
  Hidden Figures: It's an inspiring movie about the unsung African-American women mathematicians who contributed to NASA's space missions.
• Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum: The museum hosts several science-related exhibitions and frequently celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science with special programs and activities.