International Women and Girls in Science Day | 11 February

International Women and Girls in Science Day celebrates the important role of women in science. Girl’s power takes shape every year on 11 February and becomes an occasion of joy and pride for the scientific community. Established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly, the day has become an icon of gender equality.

Without women, things would never have looked the same. But not so long ago, the role of women in the industry was not fully appreciated, despite the efforts made. According to statistics, the percentage of female researchers is very low – just 33.3%. In recent years, however, initiatives by government organizations have focused on redefining gender balance.

There is no longer a clear barrier between men and women in terms of professional performance. They have learned to work as a team to achieve successful results, which is best seen in the way they carry out their work. Harmony is the key word that now defines collaboration between women and men in science and beyond.

In 2023, the international event focuses on the importance of women in creating sustainable strategies that support a better future for new generations. The international community will come together to debate best practices and strategies to combat the inefficient use of resources.

But before looking to the future with hope, it’s good to know your past closely.

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Achievements of women in science

Women have played a crucial role in the evolution of the scientific industry. Some of the most prominent women who have made significant contributions to the field include.

• Marie Curie – The first woman to win the Nobel Prize. She is the discoverer of radium and polonium and was instrumental in the development of cancer treatments. An iconic figure in the Second World War, Marie Curie used the benefits of X-rays to diagnose patients wounded at the front.
• Jane Goodall – One of the world’s foremost primate scientists. Studied chimpanzee behaviour closely and campaigned for the protection of animal rights. She is known for her unique way of studying animals – climbing trees to gain the trust of primates.
• Rosalind Franklin – Helped discover the properties of carbon, which facilitated the later development of gas masks worn in wartime. She also led the first research aimed at the structure of DNA.
• Katherine Johnson – A mathematician of the first rank, who was part of NASA even in its early years. In the absence of state-of-the-art equipment, she quickly solved equations by hand, without the aid of a computer. Her research work helped lead to the Mercury program, the first in the United States with the primary goal of sending humans into space.
• Dorothy Hodgkin – was a British chemist and X-ray crystallographer. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 for her pioneering work in determining the structures of important biochemical substances using X-ray crystallography. Some of her most significant contributions include determining the structures of penicillin, vitamin B12, and insulin.
• Marie Maynard Daly – It was she who studied the link between heart disease and blood cholesterol levels. Later, her studies improved ways to diagnose and prevent cardiovascular disease. In addition, they supported much more extensive research on the influence of cholesterol on heart health.

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If you want to mark February 11 properly, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Encourage a woman to pursue her passion

Do you have a friend or someone you know who is passionate about science but doesn’t have the courage to apply for a job? Or who simply isn’t determined to pursue such a field? Encourage her on her journey and explain at length the benefits she will enjoy if she chooses to become a scientist. Tell her to follow her dreams and never give up. All her efforts will one day be recognised internationally. Tell him at length about your experiences and tell him that it won’t always be easy, but it will all be worth it in the end. February 11 should be about helping each other, empathy and understanding more than ever.

Attend dedicated conferences or workshops

Every year there are meetings to celebrate the role women play in the evolution of science and technology. Find out about the specifics of the events and don’t hesitate to attend. These are opportunities that will help you to better understand the significance of the day and therefore diversify your knowledge. You’ll have the chance to meet new people with whom you can share ideas and experiences you’ve gained over time.

Read the amazing stories of successful women

If you work in an important branch of the scientific industry such as medicine, an overview of those who have developed the field is more than necessary. The information you gain will not only help you understand how hard women have worked, but also help you find new opportunities for personal development. Most of the time, it becomes difficult to get the motivation needed to reach an improved version. That’s why it’s advisable to find a role model to follow in your professional career. And what can inspire you more than someone who has significantly revolutionised the industry?

Conclusions

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a good opportunity to remind all female representatives that they are very important. It is also a moment that highlights gender equality and sustainable initiatives based on harmony, respect and empathy. In addition, the field of science would not look the same without the contributions of women. Marie Curie, Ana Aslan, Katherine Johnson or Rosalind Franklin are just a few of the resounding names that have created the premises for scientific evolution.

In the year 2023, the focus is on the importance of sustainable development programmes. The international community will come together to think about techniques and strategies for a better future. If you want to be part of the celebration, attend events and conferences that debate important industry topics. Don’t hesitate to support the development of girls and women everywhere with useful advice and encouragement.

Choose to celebrate February 11 with empathy, inclusiveness and understanding!

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