International Day of Women and Girls in Science in the United States

Date: February 11

Background: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was established by the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology. The resolution was adopted on December 22, 2015, with the goal of promoting full and equal access to participation in science for women and girls.

History: The day was first celebrated on February 11, 2016. It came about as part of a global initiative to address gender inequality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields where women have historically been underrepresented.

Traditions: In the United States, activities on this day often include:

• Educational programs and workshops aimed at inspiring girls to pursue careers in STEM.
• Panel discussions featuring prominent female scientists who share their experiences and encourage young women.
• Collaborations between schools, universities, research institutions, and non-profit organizations to host events promoting gender equality in science.
• Social media campaigns that highlight the achievements of women scientists and encourage public engagement.

What People Do: Participants typically engage in:

• Attending or hosting webinars or live events that focus on the role of women in science.
• Engaging with online platforms by sharing stories using hashtags like #WomenInScience or #February11.
• Scientists and educators often visit schools to speak with students about career paths in STEM fields.
• Companies may spotlight their female scientists or pledge support for initiatives aimed at improving diversity within their organizations.

These activities are designed not only to recognize the contributions of women already working in scientific fields but also to empower the next generation of female scientists.