On 11 February 2021, the 6th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly was held at the United Nations Headquarters virtually.
Context
On 11 February 2021, the 6th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly was held at the United Nations Headquarters virtually.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
- In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly decided to adopt 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
- The day aims to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology.
- Theme for 2021: ‘Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 ’.
Significance of the day
- Contribution towards gender equality: This is celebrated to acknowledge that Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Highlighting the efforts: To highlight the efforts that the global community has made in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science.
- Recognition of effortsIt is an initiative to recognize the achievements of full and equal access and participation in science for women and girls.
- It seeks to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
- As per UNESCO data (2014-2016), only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education.
- Across the globe, enrolment of female students is lower in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics as compared to men.
- Due to gender biases and lack of representation, women are often unable to steer their way in the science and technology sector.
- 2015 Gender Bias Without Borders study by the Geena Davis Institute indicated that of the onscreen characters with an identifiable STEM job, only 12 per cent were women.
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