History
February 11th is International Women and Girls in Science Day. In 2015, during The United Nations’ first High-Level World Women’s Health and Development Forum, participants realized most there were women in the sciences. From this revelation, new ideas developed for programs as well as a day of celebration for women in the sciences. In 2016, at the next year’s conference, a resolution passed that February 11th would be celebrated annually as International Women and Girls in Science Day.
Importance
The UN’s focus on women in the sciences stems from the desire for gender equality and access to the sciences for girls and women: “[R]ecognizing the role of women and girls in science, not only as beneficiaries, but also as agents of change, including in view of accelerating progress towards the achievement.” Although women have made great strides towards increased equity, women’s participation in the sciences in higher education and professional level settings are still largely under-represented.
How to Help
One of the best ways to support this day? Promote and encourage the women and girls in your life to pursue their dreams in the sciences. You can also encourage access and promote education and opportunities for advancement. International Women and Girls in Science Day comes once a year. However, you can continue to explore and educate yourself any day. There are also ways to donate financially to the Women In Science organization as well as contacting local schools and researching science events in your area.
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Text Sources: Fairbanks North Star Borough, FNSB Parks & Recreation, FNSB School District, United Nation.Org and Women In Science Day.Org
Image Source: EPWS.org
