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 an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the significant part played by female scientists and encouraging girls to advance in the fields of science and technology. The objective is to promote gender equality and encourage more women and girls to take active roles in these sectors. This day highlights the need for equal access to science education and opportunities for women, while shedding light on the groundbreaking achievements and innovations of female scientists.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this observance in December 2015, to emphasize the critical role women and girls play in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In the Indian context, this observance is significant due to the country's rich history of accomplished female scientists such as Kalpana Chawla, Anandibai Joshi, and Janaki Ammal. Still, women remain underrepresented in these fields. International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves as a reminder to let go of gender biases and stereotypes that hinder the participation of women in these spheres.

In India, International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated with wide-ranging activities. Educational institutions organize webinars, workshops, and seminars that focus on the contributions of women in science and the challenges they face. They promote scientific research amongst female students and motivate them through interactions with renowned women scientists. The National Science Day, observed on February 28, often sees initiatives dedicated to promoting women in science, aligning it with the objectives of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, although they are not the same occasion. These efforts are critical to bridging the gender gap in science in India.

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

• The 2026 global theme for this observance is From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap, which aims to transition from making recommendations to showcasing real-world solutions that build inclusive scientific ecosystems.
• India has achieved a significant milestone where women now constitute approximately 43% of STEM education participants, a figure that notably surpasses the global average and reflects a growing gender parity in the nation's technical institutes.
• The recent success of India's space endeavors has been led by prominent figures such as Kalpana Kalahasti, the Deputy Project Director of the lunar mission, and Ritu Karidhal Shrivastava, who orchestrated the deployment of the SuryaDarshan solar probe.
• Wildlife biologist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman was recently recognized as a TIME Woman of the Year for her grassroots conservation efforts with the Hargila Army, an all-female group dedicated to protecting endangered storks in Assam.
• The Indian government has unveiled a massive ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation Scheme specifically designed to accelerate the research ecosystem with a dedicated focus on leadership roles for women in high-impact STEM sectors.
• Dr. Rajula Srivastava, a researcher at the intersection of number theory and analysis, was awarded the prestigious 2025 Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers in Mathematics Prize for her exceptional contributions to the field of doctoral mathematics.
• A major publication by UNESCO titled A Braided River: The Universe of Indian Women in Science highlights the historical and contemporary contributions of Indian women while examining the systemic challenges they have overcome in their careers.
• The documentary film Written Out of History: Forgotten Indian Scientists has gained renewed interest for its portrayal of pioneering women like Sipra Guha-Mukherjee, whose contributions to plant biotechnology were long overlooked by the global scientific community.
• Flagship initiatives like the WISE-KIRAN and Vigyan Jyoti schemes continue to scale up, providing thousands of young girls across rural districts with the mentorship and resources needed to pursue careers in artificial intelligence and robotics.
• The WISER (Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research) program is fostering international collaboration by supporting Indian women researchers in leading bilateral projects between India and Germany without the need for fresh grant applications.

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

Top things to do in India 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:
  Super 30: While not exclusively about women and girls, this movie highlights the importance of education, even featuring some girls pursuing science.
  101 East - India's Ladycops:This documentary showcases women who are excelling in a field typically thought to be more appropriate for men.
• Visit the Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum: Located in Bangalore, this museum is another great place to enjoy science. It’s home to various exhibits on engines, telecommunications, and more.