International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Quotes, Wishes, Messages, Images, Date, and More

Gender equality has been in discussion for quite a while now, and many organizations have been contributing their share to reduce discrimination. Findings of a low portion of women's participation in science and technology led to the UN's declaration of an "International Day of Women and Girls in Science" day. 

History of International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The UN general assembly declared 11 February as the International day of women and girls in science. It was declared in the year 2015 when the UN decided to promote the role of women in the field of science and technology. The declaration was made through the passing of a resolution A/RES/70/212. 

Significance of International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International day of women and girls in science is celebrated every year on 11 February. It is celebrated to emphasize on discrimination of women in the field of science. The forthcoming report of UNESCO states that "only 33 per cent of researchers are women, even though they represent 45 and 55 per cent of students at the Bachelor's and Master's levels of study respectively, and 44 per cent of those enrolled in PhD programmes.".

This day is for the promotion of women's rights to participate and progress equally in any field. Another reason for the declaration of the day is the lower proportion of working women in STEM-related fields. 

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2023 Date

• When is International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2023?

International Day of Women and Girls in Science for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Saturday, 11 February.

• International Day of Women and Girls in Science dates for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026

International Day of Women and Girls in Science Quotes

• It is shameful that there are so few women in science...There is a misconception in America that women scientists are all dowdy spinsters. This is the fault of men. — Chien-Shiung Wu, experimental physicist
• I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy. — Marie Curie, physicist, chemist, and winner of the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics and the 1911 Nobel Prize in Physics
• Certain people – men, of course – discouraged me, saying [science] was not a good career for women. That pushed me even more to persevere. — Francoise Barré, virologist and winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• With men you're expected to do well and get the support, but for females, you have to sacrifice something in a different way from men... I think it's very important for other woman to see that I have had success. — May-Britt Moser, neurologist and winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated. — Rosalind Franklin, chemist and X-ray crystallographer
• I hadn't been aware that there were doors closed to me until I started knocking on them. — Gertrude B. Elion, biochemist, pharmacologist, and winner of the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Life need not be easy, provided only that it is not empty. — Lise Meitner, physicist
• The love of one's own sex is precious, for it is neither provoked by vanity nor retained by flattery; it is genuine and sincere. - Maria Mitchell, astronomer
• Let us choose for ourselves our path in life, and let us try to strew that path with flowers. — Emilie du Chatelet, mathematician, physicist, and author
• If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off... no matter what they say. — Barbara McClintock, cytogeneticist and winner of the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. — Mae Jemison, physicist and astronaut

International Day of Women and Girls in Science Wishes

• We have seen the world through a man’s perception but now we must give women also a fair chance. Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science to you.
• They have always been kept on the backseat thinking they don’t have the potential but they have proved the world wrong. Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
• Let us celebrate the occasion of International Day of Women and Girls in Science by respecting the ladies and the good work they are doing in the field of science.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science Messages

• If you think that only men deserve to study science and bring the change in this world then you are wrong as women are equally competent. Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
• Wishing a very Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science to all. Let us give our ladies all the chance they deserve to make the change in this world using science.
• Science is not limited just to one gender rather it is an opportunity for every human to learn and contribute to science. Warm wishes on International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

What is STEM? 

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The percentage of males working in the STEM field are higher than females. The common reasons for the lower proportion of women are social stereotypes, lack of awareness, culture, fewer role models in the STEM work area. 

• Social stereotypes: It is one of the reasons for the low percentage of female professionals in STEM. These fields are considered to be masculine and better performed by males. Female students perform well in academics, however, are discouraged by convincing them that STEM is a field for men. It is also promoted that men have better decision-making skills compared to others, which led to an increase in the male population in these areas. 
• Lack of awareness: Social programming that men are good in STEM, has decreased the number of female participants in the competition. It is required for the family members as well educators to clear the dust and instil faith in everyone that education and profession are not gender-based. But are acquired based on talent and skillset. 
• Work culture: With the development and access to more information tools, the men friendly culture has reduced over the years. Initially, females who were part of the STEM professional fields were seen as odd due to regressive mentalities that believed that women belonged to the kitchen, family welfare or female-friendly work environments.
• Less role models: Due to the minimum female population in the STEM work field, the role models are fewer in number when compared to the male population. An increase in role models encourages women to pursue careers and thereby establish women empowerment. 

Initiatives by UNESCO

UNESCO has introduced certain initiatives to support the development of women in STEM. Two are below. 

• TeacherHer 

It is an initiative that gathers public and private supporters to come forward and encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM and other fields. It also trains the educators for the transfer of knowledge to girls. Over 300 teachers in Africa and Central America have undergone training, and four regional sessions were held for the skill enhancement of teachers. The initiative aims to create corps of gender-responsive educators, administrators and policymakers to inspire girls to become leaders. 

• Gender-responsive STEM education in Africa

With the financial support of the government of Japan and the successful establishment of the TeachHer initiative, UNESCO is building efficient education stakeholders in francophone and anglophone countries in Africa. Over 200 teachers, teacher trainers, administrators and government partners from 21 countries have undergone training, and a Board of Master trainers has been established to support local development efforts. Training package and advocacy toolkits have been developed to provide gender-responsive education to bridge the gap in STEM education and careers.

Solution for Abolishment of Gender Gaps

The gap must be dissolved with proper actions and plans. Let's look at a few of the possible solutions. 

• Fight against sexism: Whenever sexism is observed in the workplace, women must immediately confront racists and report it to HR if the sexism is continued even after the confrontation. 
• Promotion of role models: Successful women from the STEM field must be highlighted to encourage more girls to enter and prosper in a STEM area. 
• Educational programs: All academic institutions must conduct events and programs to display gender equality and encourage everyone to settle in their desired field. 

Resources for Promotion of Gender Equality

Resources for fighting against bias play a crucial role in the empowerment of women and the achievement of gender equality. Let's have a glance at few of them.

• American Association of University Women(AAUW)

It is an American non-profit organization that supports gender equality and assists women in learning appropriate wage structure negotiation, acquisition of education, fellowships and grants, along with advocacy of laws and policies to enable women's success. 

• Association for Women in Science(AWIS)

This is an organization that strives for equitable, inclusive and safe workplaces that lead to bold leadership. 

• Women in Engineering ProActive Network(WEPAN)

WEPAN is an organization that is set up to leverage research and education in the field of engineering for women inclusion. 

• Million Women Mentors (MWM)

It is an organization that encourages women to pursue their interests in the field of STEM through the help of mentorship. 

• Nationals Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP)

It is an organization that connects all US organizations that support and promote gender equality in STEM. 

Kalpana Chawla - A Woman who Defied the Social Stigma of Gender Bias in Science

Kalpana Chawla is the first astronaut of Indian origin. She was born in Karnal in India. With a passion for aeroplanes, she earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Punjab. Later, she moved to the US and completed her Masters and PhD in aerospace engineering. Thereafter, she worked as a researcher, then became a certified pilot. She became a US citizen in 1991, later in 1995, she joined the NASA Astronaut corps.

In May 1997, she went on her first successful space mission in space shuttle Columbia flight STS-87. Later in 2003, she travelled again in space shuttle Columbia flight STS-107. This time we lost her as the plane crashed upon re-entering earth's atmosphere. 

Theme of International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The UN general assembly declared below as the theme for 2022 International day of women and girls in Science Day.  

 "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us". 

The theme has sub-themes, which are below.  

1. Women in Science contributions to Water and Health

2. The role of Women in Science in advancing SDG 16, particularly through water science diplomacy

3. The role of Women in Science for society, with a special focus on SDGs 8, 9, 10 and 11.

Ways of Celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Celebrations of the International day of women and girls in science include the conduct of various educational and promotional events on gender equality. The events include a gathering of top-level female experts and government officials for online promotion of gender equality and encouragement of women to pursue careers in all categories. As per the International day of women and girls in science organization, the event will be celebrated by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) in Geneva on 10 and 11 February. 

The celebrations of 2022 will include a showcase of best practices, strategies, applied solutions, and experiences in addressing the SDG6 challenges and opportunities through the UN's assembly Media Room. The media release also read that for the first time, a music performance by the Women and Girls in Science Orchestra and a unique Ebru Water Art exhibition will be organized.

Some Interesting Facts

1. The Vigyan Jyoti programme is an initiative started by the department of science and technology in India to encourage women and promote gender parity in the areas of STEM. 
2. To bridge the gaps in gender participation in various fields of STEM, Japan has established "The Japan Inter-Society Liaison Association Committee for Promoting Equal Participation of Men and Women in Science and Engineering (EPMEWSE)" in 2002.