International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a global observance aimed at championing the critical role of women and girls in the science and technology fields. The day functions as a dynamic platform for celebrating women’s accomplishments in science, and advocating for equitable access to scientific opportunities for future generations. This international celebration underscores the need to dispel stereotypes, challenge myths, and promote gender equality in every scientific sphere.

The United Nations introduced this Day in 2015 to promote full and equal access to science for women and girls worldwide. For Australian audiences, this day has significant relevance. In Australia, females make up less than one-third of the total science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) workforce despite gains in participation in these fields. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science advocates for initiatives that support the increased involvement of female students in STEMI and encourages the recognition of the contributions of Australian women to science.

In Australia, International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed in several ways. Educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and government agencies host discussions, seminars, and exhibitions showcasing the valuable work of women in science. These events focus on inspiring future generations of girls to consider careers in science. Schools and institutions also spotlight achievements of their alumni and current students in the science field. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a globally recognized event that takes place on the 11th of February each year, and Australia is a part of this global observance with no date specific to the country.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science in Australia

• The 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science is centered on the global theme From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap, which prioritizes the transition from policy recommendations to the implementation of concrete solutions within scientific ecosystems.
• Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under a national space program and the 2026 South Australian Australian of the Year, serves as a primary figurehead for the event by advocating for increased female representation in the nation's burgeoning space industry.
• Distinguished Professor Fang Chen, an expert in artificial intelligence and data science at the University of Technology Sydney, will be formally celebrated around this time as the 2026 recipient of the ITS Australia Woman of the Year Award for her work in transforming transport networks.
• The observance highlights the progress of the Women in STEM Decadal Plan, a ten-year strategic roadmap developed by the Australian Academy of Science to eliminate systemic barriers and achieve gender equity in the workforce by 2030.
• Advocacy groups often use this date to showcase the Superstars of STEM initiative, a program designed by Science & Technology Australia to increase the public visibility of female scientists and provide relatable role models for school-aged girls.
• The day serves as a critical checkpoint for the STEM Equity Monitor, the national data report that tracks the participation of women and girls in science and identifies where the "leaky pipeline" remains most prevalent in Australian academia and industry.
• This 2026 event coincides with the launch of the Astronomy decadal plan 2026–2035, which outlines the future of Australian space observation and emphasizes the necessity of diverse research teams to maintain the nation's global standing in the field.
• Local university celebrations frequently honour the legacy of Dr Cathy Foley, who concluded her tenure as the first female Chief Scientist of Australia while being recognized with the 2025 National Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Discover 12 notable women in STEM who have made a lasting impact on history.
• Learn how to get children interested in STEM. Some tips include cooking and baking as the mixing and measuring of values can create an interest in science. Other tips include using more math in everyday life. Discover more tips.
• Watch a film to learn more about Women and Girls in Science:
  Women are the answer (2015) – While not solely about science, this documentary presents gender as a key factor in sustainable development and explores Australia's progress in gender equality.
  The Gender Card Flip (2016) - This film by Australian John Ince looks at the role of gender in the world of work, including in the sciences.
• Visit the Australian Museum: Visitors can explore the various scientific exhibits and installations on display. Special events or exhibitions may be held to highlight the contributions of women and girls in science.