Science Without Women Is Incomplete: Why February 11 Matters
Today, on February 11, 2026, the world pauses to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day that is not just about achievements in laboratories and research papers but about fairness, opportunity, and human potential. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, this day reminds us of a simple but powerful idea: science and gender equality must advance together if the world is to progress sustainably. From climate change and public health to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, the challenges facing humanity demand diverse minds and inclusive solutions. Yet, women and girls, who make up half the world’s population, remain significantly underrepresented in scientific fields.Why This Day Matters More Than EverGlobally, women constitute less than one-third of all researchers, a statistic that has changed far too slowly over decades. While progress has been made in access to education, participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) still drops sharply as girls move from classrooms to careers. UNESCO, which places gender equality at the heart of its mission, recognizes that excluding women from science does not just harm women; it weakens science itself. Research and innovation become more ethical, inclusive, and responsive to society when women are active contributors, decision-makers, and leaders. This is why the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is not symbolic. It is strategic.From Vision to Impact: The Theme of 2026The 2026 theme, “From vision to impact: Redefining STEM by closing the gender gap,” captures a global urgency. Vision alone is no longer enough. The focus has shifted to real-world impact policies that work, systems that support women, and technologies that empower rather than exclude. To mark the day, a hybrid, one-day global event will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters. Speakers from around the world will share experiences and solutions from fields such as health, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and scientific entrepreneurship. Organized in collaboration with Femmes@Numérique, the event will explore how emerging technologies are shaping the future of STEM and whether they will reinforce old inequalities or help dismantle them.Social Barriers That Still Shape DreamsIn many developing regions, including parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean, social barriers continue to limit girls’ access to science and education itself. Expectations of early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and discriminatory labour practices often interrupt or end academic journeys. Even today, these barriers persist in quieter forms: lack of mentorship, unsafe work environments, unequal pay, and limited representation in leadership roles. For many girls, the challenge is not talent or ambition, but permission to dream, to study, and to belong in scientific spaces. The gender gap in science does not look the same everywhere. In the United States, lower enrolment and declining interest in science across the education pipeline contribute to fewer women in research careers. In contrast, many Arab countries show high female enrolment in scientific education, sometimes accounting for 60 to 80 percent of students. Yet career progression remains limited due to workplace and social constraints. These contrasts highlight an important truth: access alone is not enough. Retention, recognition, and respect matter just as much.The Resolution That Changed the CalendarThe International Day of Women and Girls in Science was formally established through UN General Assembly Resolution 70/212, adopted on December 22, 2015. Initiated by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust, facilitated by the Government of Malta, and supported by over 60 countries, the resolution declared February 11 as an annual global observance. The resolution aligns closely with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly the goals of quality education and gender equality. It also builds on earlier commitments, recognizing that women’s full participation in science, technology, and innovation is essential for true empowerment.Science Needs Women, and the Future Depends on ItAs the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026, the message is clear. Closing the gender gap is not about charity or symbolism; it is about building better science and a fairer future. When women and girls are empowered to imagine, innovate, and lead, science moves from vision to impact. And when science becomes inclusive, humanity moves forward together.
