Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Empowering Innovation and Equality
Every year on 11 February, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, recognising the vital role women and girls play in advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This global observance highlights the importance of equal access to scientific education and careers, while drawing attention to the gender gaps that still exist in many scientific fields.
Science drives innovation, improves lives, and helps address global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and sustainable development. Ensuring that women and girls are fully represented in science is not only a matter of fairness—it is essential for building inclusive and effective solutions for the future.
Women & Girls Driving Change in STEM
Across the world, women and girls are making powerful contributions across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)—shaping innovation, sustainability, and the future workforce.
Mira Murati: As former Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, she helped lead the development of advanced AI technologies such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Codex.
Kizzmekia Corbett: A viral immunologist whose work at the U.S. National Institutes of Health helped lead the scientific research behind the Moderna COVID‑19 vaccine.
Dr. Swati Mohan: As a lead guidance, navigation, and control engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, she played an essential role in the successful landing of the Perseverance Mars rover.
Reflecting on the Role of Women and Girls in Science
Across the globe, women and girls continue to make valuable contributions in STEM, supporting discovery, innovation, and solutions to complex challenges. Their work spans research, technology, engineering, mathematics, healthcare, climate science, and space exploration—strengthening industries and communities alike.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to recognise these contributions and encourage equal access, opportunity, and support in STEM fields for everyone. By fostering curiosity, talent, and leadership, we can build a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient future.
“Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.”
~ Marie Curie –Physicist and Chemist, Nobel Prize Laureate
