In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This decision was not just a symbolic gesture—it was a recognition of a long-standing issue in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM): the underrepresentation of women. For centuries, scientific breakthroughs were largely credited to men, while the contributions of women were ignored, sidelined, or even erased. Yet, history tells a different story. Women have always been part of scientific discovery, from Hypatia of Alexandria, one of the earliest recorded female mathematicians, to Rosalind Franklin, whose work was crucial in understanding DNA structure, even though credit went to her male colleagues.
Women’s relevance in STEM became impossible to ignore when pioneers like Marie Curie shattered barriers with groundbreaking work in radioactivity, proved that gender has no bearing on scientific brilliance. Dr. Frances Arnold, winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, women in science have defied the odds. However, these few examples highlight a stark reality—women in STEM remain underrepresented, underappreciated, and under-supported. As time passed, more women emerged in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, engineering, and technology, making groundbreaking contributions.
As we mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, this year’s theme, “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” urges the world to address persistent gender gaps, amplify women’s contributions, and explore career opportunities beyond the lab. Science is no longer confined to white coats and test tubes; it intersects with artificial intelligence, environmental conservation, medicine, space exploration, and countless other fields. The challenge is ensuring that young girls and women see themselves in these roles and feel empowered to pursue them.
Despite efforts to close the gender gap, statistics from UNESCO reveal that only 33% of researchers globally are women, and in fields like artificial intelligence and engineering, the numbers drop even lower. Social norms, lack of mentorship, and limited access to STEM education continue to be major barriers. Only 28% of engineering graduates are women.
In the field of artificial intelligence, women represent just 22% of the workforce. Women hold less than 20% of leadership roles in the tech industry.
These figures highlight the deep-rooted gender disparity in STEM. While progress has been made in some areas, the numbers indicate that there is still a long way to go in ensuring equal representation.
The underrepresentation of women in science is not due to a lack of ability but rather a combination of systemic barriers, including but not limited to gender stereotypes. From an early age, girls are often subtly discouraged from pursuing careers in science and technology. Society still views STEM as male-dominated, which affects career aspirations. When young girls do not see women excelling in STEM, they struggle to envision themselves in those careers. Many women in STEM report experiencing bias, unequal pay, and fewer opportunities for career advancement. In addition, women often face challenges in balancing professional and personal responsibilities, particularly in industries that demand long hours and extensive research commitments.
If the world is serious about achieving gender equality in STEM, these issues must be addressed through intentional and systemic change.
The inclusion of women in STEM careers is not just about fairness—it is essential for innovation, economic growth, and problem-solving. When diverse perspectives come together, scientific breakthroughs are more effective and inclusive. Research has shown that diverse teams produce better results. In medicine, for instance, women scientists have been instrumental in designing health solutions that cater to both men and women. A well-known example is Dr. Patricia Bath, who invented the Laserphaco Probe, a device that improved cataract surgery.
Representation matters. When young girls see female scientists, engineers, and tech leaders, they are more likely to believe they can achieve similar success. Initiatives like “Girls Who Code” and “Women in Engineering” have played a significant role in encouraging young women to explore STEM careers. According to the World Economic Forum, closing the gender gap in STEM would increase global GDP by $12 trillion. More women in STEM means more innovation, higher productivity, and a stronger global economy.
To ensure that more women and girls enter and thrive in STEM careers, concrete actions must be taken by governments, educational institutions, corporations, and society at large. The gender gap in STEM begins in childhood. Schools and parents must encourage girls to explore STEM subjects through hands-on activities and experiments. Governments and private organisations should offer STEM scholarships for girls, particularly in underprivileged communities. Schools should promote STEM mentorship programmes, where female professionals guide and inspire young girls. Educational policies should ensure that STEM curricula are inclusive and gender-sensitive.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we must reflect on the progress made and the work that remains. The theme “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science” reminds us that representation matters, inclusion drives innovation, and equal opportunities in STEM are essential for a better future.
Women in science are not just contributors—they are leaders, innovators, and changemakers. The world cannot afford to exclude their voices. By addressing stereotypes, promoting education, and creating inclusive work environments, we can ensure that the next generation of women scientists and engineers will not only enter STEM careers but thrive in them. Let this be the decade where we finally close the gender gap in STEM and ensure that her voice in science is heard, valued, and celebrated.
