PURPOSE: In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly declaring 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. On 20 December 2013, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on science, technology and innovation for development, in which it recognized that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
FORUM: “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science.“ International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025. Science in the 21st century is dynamic, collaborative and diverse, serving as a powerful tool for engaging with the world and tackling global challenges. Today, a background in science opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities that extend well beyond traditional laboratory professions. Moreover, the profiles of scientists are far more varied than the conventional stereotypes suggest. From a gender perspective, pioneers like Marie Curie have demonstrated that women can shape and lead scientific disciplines, but her legacy as one of the few widely recognized female figures in science highlights the urgent need for greater progress. Therefore, this important anniversary for the IDWGS aims to reflect the expansive reach of science and celebrate the contributions of women in science worldwide. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #11February, #WomeninScience; #GirlsinScience.
EVENTS: At UNESCO Headquarters, to mark the 2025 IDWGS celebration, a special hybrid event will take place on Tuesday, 11 February; 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters under the theme: “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”. The IDWGS’ 10th anniversary will bring together Member States, early-career and accomplished scientists, stakeholders from the public and private sectors, UNESCO scientific networks and Chairs, journalists, as well as students. Explore the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science sessions!
Afternoon session (2.00 pm – 5.30 pm): Building on the UNESCO Call to Action “Closing the Gender Gap in Science”, we will explore together the critical role of women in scientific innovation and discuss the need for inclusive media representation to challenge gender stereotypes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
Evening session (6.30 pm – 8.30 pm): The celebrations will continue at 6:30 p.m. with the screening of the documentary “Women of Science: These women who change our lives”, directed by Safia Kessas and produced by Iota Production, with the support of the Radio Télévision Belge Francophone (RTBF), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation to UNESCO. Get the agenda programme and the flyer of the event!
Building on the 2024 UNESCO Call to Action “Closing the Gender Gap in Science” and aligned with the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024 – 2033), speakers will explore two key aspects during this unique event:
1) Unpacking STEM Careers: The Power of Diversity and Inclusion in Shaping the Future.
Speakers from diverse backgrounds will share their inspiring journeys in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), reflecting on the paths that led them to their current professional roles and the passion that drives them forward. The discussion will also highlight the critical importance of diverse perspectives, including those of women, in STEM fields, in line with the communication campaign “Imagine a world with more women in science”, launched for this special anniversary with the support of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The roundtable will emphasize the many opportunities a STEM background can provide and show that every unique journey – while embracing one’s identities – holds the keys to contribute to advancing science and building a more equitable world.
2) Her Voice in Science: Inspiring Change in the Media
The event will also delve into how women in science and the diversity of scientific career pathways can be more effectively represented across various forms of mass media, ranging from traditional press and broadcast media to digital and out-of-home media. Speakers will discuss how representation in the media can enhance public trust and understanding of science, while reshaping societal perceptions of gender roles within the field. Engaging with the audience, they will explore actionable next steps for building a more inclusive scientific community in the long term, where every voice is valued.
Documentary screening
Following the roundtables, the celebrations at UNESCO Headquarters will continue with the screening of the documentary “Women of Science: These women who change our lives” (“Électrons Libres : Ces femmes de science qui changent nos vies” in French), directed by Safia Kessas and produced by Iota Production, with the support of the Radio Télévision Belge Francophone (RTBF), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation to UNESCO. This documentary follows the journeys of six women scientists from across Europe, highlighting their remarkable contributions to the field and the challenges they have overcome along the way.
Expected Outcomes
Through the insights shared by panelists and their interactive engagement with the audience, the event aims to raise awareness about the critical role of women in scientific innovation and the need for inclusive media representation to challenge gender stereotypes in STEM careers. It will also provide a platform for stakeholders to take and support actionable steps in closing the gender gap in science, building on UNESCO’s 2024 Call to Action.
OTHER EVENTS: AT UNHQ - On February 11th 2025, An astronaut-led panel discussion entitled ‘‘Uplifting Women in STEM’’ featuring seven female astronauts - nearly 10% of all the women astronauts in the world, will highlight the contributions of women and girls in science, and the importance of ensuring that they are safe from gender-based violence and gender discrimination. This event highlights the importance of empowering women in STEM - and keeping them safe while they are in these fields. Rise is grateful for the Permanent Mission of Poland and Spotlight’s support on these events. Read the concept note and watch the livestream!
The Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), co-organizing and co-sponsoring Member States, UN Agencies and Intergovernmental Organizations are celebrating the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly.
AT UNHQ - On February 11th 2025, from 10:00 – 18:00, in the Conference Room 1 (CR-1) at the UN Headquarters will be held an High-level event organized by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), the Permanent Mission of Malta and Co-organized by Permanent Missions of Antigua And Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, as well as the African Union, the League of Arab States, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Intellectual Pproperty Organization (WIPO), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The 10th edition of the International Day of Women & Girls in Science Assembly will bring together women in science leaders and experts from around the world, high-level government officials, representatives of international organizations and the private sector to discuss women leadership in achieving the three pillars of Sustainable Development, namely economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity. Recognizing the role of women and girls in science as agents of change and the importance of mainstreaming a gender perspective in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the main theme for the 10th IDWGIS Assembly is: "Charting Progress to Shape the Future: The Best is Yet to Come". Get the concept note!
STATEMENTS: Read the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025: February 11th and the Joint message from the Director-General of UNESCO and the Executive Director of UN Women, on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025, February 11th.
PODCASTS: Tackling some of the greatest challenges of the Agenda for Sustainable Development -- from improving health to combating climate change -- will rely on harnessing all talent. That means getting more women working in these fields. Diversity in research expands the pool of talented researchers, bringing in fresh perspectives, talent and creativity. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: This Day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened. Your action will add to the collective voices on Equality in Science. Join the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science campaign “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science and Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE IT?
February 11th is celebrated globally in different ways, big and small to recognizing the role of women in science as agents of change to accelerate progress towards the achievement of SDGs.
The Day focuses on the reality that science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. we need to provide more opportunities in science and innovation to women.
Let’s celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to achieve equality in science, technology, and innovation for Socio-Economic Sustainable Development by 2030 and beyond.
ACTIONS
Acknowledge the significance of the involvement and participation of women and girls in science for the future of the world
Recognize the critical role women and girls play in STEM
Promote women in science to reach our full potential
Get girls into science education and Ensure their rightful place in these professions and industries
Promote efforts to achieve gender equality in science
Join women experts, youth, and professionals in dialogues and discussion to put Science, Technology, and Innovation at the heart of sustainable development programs.
Perfect Opportunities for Private Sector to align its business with the crucial Global Goal of empowering Women and Girls in Science.
PARTNERS
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is organized in partnerships with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the UNESCO; the UNICEF; The UN-Women; The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); The International Labour Organization (ILO);The International Telecommunication Union (ITU); The United Nations Institute for Research (UNITAR); the UNCTAD. With the participation of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), the Permanent Missions of Chile, Lebanon, Malta, Poland, Portugal, the Philippines, Rwanda, Slovakia, and Spain, to the United Nations, and co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh,Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Georgia, Honduras, Hungary, Kenya, the Maldives, Romania, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkiye, Russian Federation to the United Nations, as well as the African Union and the League of Arab States.
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