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 that recognizes and celebrates the fundamental role of women and girls across all fields of science. The objective is to promote gender equality within scientific sectors by overcoming traditional barriers and biases. This occasion critically aims to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and to recognize the significant contributions they make to these fields.

The United Nations General Assembly established this observance in 2015, with an understanding of the decisive role of gender equality in achieving international sustainable development goals. In New Zealand's context, the day carries considerable importance due to persistent gender inequities in its STEM workforce. Although women represent half of the country's total labour force, they comprise less than one-third of the workforce in high-tech industries. Initiatives promoted on this day provide tools to cultivate interest in science among young women and girls, while highlighting the achievements of New Zealand's female scientists.

Observing the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in New Zealand typically involves a range of activities aimed at highlighting the contributions of women to the sciences and pushing for greater inclusion and representation. These might include educational talks, science fairs, mentoring programs, social media campaigns and award presentations. New Zealand, along with other countries, marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11th February each year, reaffirming its commitment to challenging gender stereotypes and promoting diversity in scientific fields.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science in NZ

• The 2026 observance is centered on the theme From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap, which marks a strategic shift from identifying barriers to implementing measurable solutions across the scientific community.
• A focal point for New Zealand audiences is the Zonta Science Award 2026, a biennial honour that provides $20,000 and a bespoke medal to an emerging woman scientist to support international research and professional networking.
• The Royal Society Te Apārangi often uses this date to highlight the legacy of Professor Christine Winterbourn, the first woman to receive the Rutherford Medal, New Zealand's highest scientific honour.
• Emerging research led by Associate Professor Pauline Harris at the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology is gaining significant interest for its integration of mātauranga Māori with astrophysics and climate change studies.
• The New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science, formerly known as ESR, maintains a unique position in the local sector with a workforce that is approximately 66 percent female, serving as a primary case study for gender-inclusive research environments.
• Educational initiatives through the Science Learning Hub (Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao) are featuring a digital series titled In Her Nature: New Zealand women changing the way we connect with the world around us, which highlights the work of wāhine scientists in conservation and biodiversity.
• For the 2026 global roundtables, experts will specifically address the influence of new and emerging technologies on gender equality, with a heavy emphasis on the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and scientific entrepreneurship.
• The Miriam Dell Award, presented by the New Zealand Association for Women in the Sciences, remains a key milestone for recognizing individuals who have demonstrated excellence in mentoring the next generation of female researchers in Aotearoa.
• Students and educators often engage with the graphic biography Betty Batham: Biologist to explore the historical contributions of pioneering New Zealand women who broke early gender barriers in marine science.

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

Top things to do in NZ 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:
  She Started It: This documentary follows five young women over two years as they pitch VCs, build teams, bring products to market, fail and start again.
  Hidden Figures: It's an inspiring movie about the unsung African-American women mathematicians who contributed to NASA's space missions.
• Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum: The museum hosts several science-related exhibitions and frequently celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science with special programs and activities.