International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a global observance aimed at achieving full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. The day further promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Recognizing that science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of internationally agreed goals, the observance focuses on ensuring women and girls’ inclusive engagement at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish this international day in 2015. Canada, being a strong advocate for gender equality and women's rights, has been an active participant. Canadian women have historically made significant contributions to science, yet they remain underrepresented in this industry. On this observance, Canada strives to amplify their efforts to reduce the gender gap in the STEM fields by highlighting the contributions of female scientists, promoting women's access to scientific research, and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science.

In Canada, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is typically celebrated by hosting various events, workshops, and conferences, focusing on the importance of gender diversity in science. Schools, universities, research institutions, and government agencies come together to inspire future generations of women scientists and celebrate the achievements of women in science across Canada. The private sector also plays a critical role, where organizations hold inclusive events, and feature women and girls who have been trailblazers in the scientific field. The observance is held annually on 11th February, with the intention to foster substantial growth in the representation of women and girls in science, both in Canada and worldwide.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science in Canada

• The 2026 global theme for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap, focusing on shifting from policy recommendations to measurable, real-world solutions.
• Recent findings from the Actua report, Valuing STEM: Do Girls Think Science Values What They Value?, reveal a significant "values gap" in Canada, where 71% of girls prioritize high earning power but only 49% believe a career in science can provide it.
• The 2026 observance will place a special emphasis on the role of women in new and emerging technologies, specifically targeting growth in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and health research.
• While women now make up approximately 30% of the overall STEM workforce in Canada, they remain underrepresented in technical leadership, holding less than 20% of roles in engineering and computer science.
• The Canadian Space Agency is marking the 2025-26 period by funding over 70 student-led projects specifically designed to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion within the nation’s space sector.
• Canadian astrophysicist Dr. Julie Hlavacek-Larrondo was recently honored for her work in extragalactic research, highlighting the growing impact of Canadian women in decoding the mysteries of black holes.
• Budget 2025 has proposed an investment of $382.5 million over five years, beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year, to revitalize the Women's Program and improve economic security for women and girls across the country.
• Outreach leaders like Dr. Eugenia Addy, CEO of Visions of Science, are being highlighted this year for their work in providing equitable STEM access to youth in over 40 marginalized communities across Canada.
• National research indicates that 69% of Canadian girls list science as a favorite school subject, yet many opt out of these pathways before university due to a lack of relatable mentors in digital literacy and entrepreneurship.
• The 2026 celebrations in Canada often feature the Donna Strickland Prize for Social Impact of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research, named after the Guelph-born Nobel laureate to recognize scientific work that provides exceptional benefits to Canadian society.

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

Top things to do in Canada 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:
  Margaret Atwood: Once in August - This documentary gives a unique insight into the life of one of Canada's most acclaimed female authors who has a scientific background.
  The Gender Chip Project - An engaging documentary that sets its focus on five women majoring in the sciences at Ohio State University in the US.
  Women in Science: Profiles and Answers - This DVD portrays the achievements of some current leading women natural scientists (all members of the National Academy of Sciences) and aims to acquaint younger women, including girls, with the opportunities and satisfactions of careers in the various fields of science.
• Attend the National Science and Innovation Gala: This annual event held in Ottawa is designed to inspire, influence, and celebrate achievements in the field of science and technology. On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, special focus is given to achievements of women in these fields.