International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026: Theme, Background and Stats

Every year on February 11, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the important roles women have in discovery and innovation. The United Nations created this day in 2015 to support equal access to education and research.

The 2026 theme is "From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap". Today, women make up about 33% of researchers worldwide. This day shows that science needs everyone's ideas to tackle big issues like climate change and health.

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Why Do We Celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

Source: The Sustainabiity Speakers Agency

This day highlights a long-standing gap in the scientific community. For years, women have faced obstacles to education, funding, and leadership in STEM fields. 

Even though women make up half the population, they are still under-represented in the labs and boardrooms that influence our future. Today is a reminder to break down those barriers.

Marking this day also honours the overlooked history of women pioneers. Many women made important discoveries but did not get the recognition they deserved. Sharing their stories helps young girls see that they have a place in science.

What is the Theme for 2026 and What Does It Mean?

The 2026 theme is "From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap." This theme is about taking action, not just discussing equality. "Vision" stands for long-held goals like equal pay and better representation. 

"Impact" means making those goals real. The focus is on more than encouraging girls to study science; it is about helping them build lasting, successful careers.

Redefining STEM is about making science more inclusive. This means building workplaces that support work-life balance and offer mentorship. Closing the gender gap matters because research shows diverse teams are more innovative. 

In 2026, the goal is real progress, like more women in senior roles and more female-led tech startups. 

The theme calls on governments and schools to go beyond slogans and put real policies in place that help women lead in science and technology.

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How Has the Role of Women in Science Evolved Over Time?

In the past, women in science were often limited to assistant roles or kept out of universities. Many talented women, such as Rosalind Franklin and Katherine Johnson, worked behind the scenes while their male colleagues received most of the credit. 

But things changed a lot in the 20th and 21st centuries. As laws improved and education opened up, women started leading major projects. 

Now, women are driving important breakthroughs, from creating mRNA vaccines to leading NASA missions into space.

What Do the Latest Statistics Tell Us About Women in STEM?

The data shows progress is happening, but it is slow. Recent global statistics say women make up about 33% of all researchers worldwide. In high-tech areas such as Artificial Intelligence, the number drops to around 22%. 

This digital gap is worrying, especially as AI and automation play a bigger role in our lives. If women are not involved in building these technologies, the tools we use could end up with built-in biases.

There is also a "leaky pipeline" in science careers. Statistics show science careers also face a 'leaky pipeline.' Many girls do well in science at school, but fewer pick it as their college major. 

Even fewer remain in the field long enough to reach top positions. For instance, less than 12% of national science academy members are women. Still, there is hope. Scholarship programmes and mentorships are slowly raising these numbers.

Summary

UNESCO 2026 Celebration: From Vision to Impact

On February 11, 2026, UNESCO will hold a major hybrid event at its Paris Headquarters to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 

The symposium runs from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm in Room I and brings together world leaders, top scientists, and students. Organised with Femmes@Numérique, the event focuses on real-world results with the theme "From Vision to Impact". 

Sessions will explore ways to close the gender gap in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Health Research. 

By sharing successful practices and personal stories, the event aims to make STEM a place where everyone can thrive and lead.

Conclusion

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 is a powerful reminder that gender equality is essential for scientific excellence. By moving from "vision to impact", we can dismantle old barriers and build a future where girls everywhere are empowered to innovate.

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