The world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science every year on the 11th day of February. The year 2021 marked the 6th International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The day was celebrated under the theme “Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19″.
Highlights
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The event was held at the United Nations Headquarters through video conferencing.
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The event marked the role of women who were at the frontline in the fight against COVID-19.
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The event also marked the discussion on the important part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development namely the gender equality and science.
About the Day
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The International Day of Women and Girls in was started being observed by the United Nations through a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly that was passed on December 22, 2015.
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The day is celebrated to recognise the critical role that women and girls play in the field of science and technology.
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This day is implemented by UNESCO and UN Women.
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Various intergovernmental agencies, institutions and civil society partners collaborates with the UNESCO and UN Women.
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The day is observed with the aim to promote women and girls in science.
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It seeks to promote full and equal access to women and girls for participation in science.
UNESCO Data
The UNESCO data for the year 2014-2016 states that, only around 30 per cent of all female students select the STEM-related fields for the higher education. Enrolment of female students is lower in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics across the world when compared with the men. Women are unable to move ahead in the science and technology sector due to gender biases and lack of representation.