The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on 11 February to promote full access and participation in science for women and girls. This day was implemented by UNESCO and UN-WOMEN in collaboration institutions and civil society partners that aim to promote women and girls in science.

We often see women are more likely to receive an undergraduate degree than males, despite all their accomplishments we get to see fewer women in science field. As the fastest growing segment of jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), employers find hard to find talent and they should definitely consider hiring more girls and women.

Facts:

Another report by Bias Watch found that only 13 per cent of scientists and science faculty in Indian higher education and research institutions are women.

Women's participation is the highest in biotechnology at 40% and medicine at 35%.

A team of 500 scientists from ten ISRO centres were roped in, with at least 27 per cent of the key executive positions being held by women. 

According to UIS data, less than 30% of the world's researchers are women.

Although Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field is spread widely in far most countries, no matter their level of development they have not achieved gender equality n STEM.

In the field of STEM, women have made significant contributions across the world and even have shown successful leadership, like Nandini Harinath was among the leading women's team for the Mars Orbiter Mission. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava was a Deputy Operations Director to India's Mars orbital mission, Mangalyaan.

Contributions by women in the science field:

1. Tessy Thomas became one of the leading scientists to head an Indian missile project.
2. Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-origin woman aeronautical engineer hailing from Haryana, India.
3. Shakuntala Devi, the Human Computer of India. She had a remarkable power of doing complex mathematical operations within a few seconds.

This day allows us to recognize the potential of women and girls in technical and scientific fields, as well as to offer support to those who are interested in these fields.