International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026
awarenessThursday, February 11, 2027
149 days from today · next occurrence
About International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed every year on February 11, calls attention to a stubborn gap: women remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics around the world. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, the day promotes equal access to science education, research careers, and leadership roles for women and girls everywhere.
The numbers explain why the observance matters. Women make up roughly a third of researchers globally, and they are scarcer still in fields like physics, computing, and engineering. Talent is evenly distributed across the population, but opportunity historically has not been.
Each February 11, universities, schools, and scientific organizations host panels, mentorship sessions, and open labs that put female scientists in front of the next generation. The message is simple: girls belong in laboratories, on research vessels, and behind telescopes, and science is stronger when everyone gets to contribute.
When is International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 11, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 11, 2027 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 11, 2028 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 11, 2029 | Sunday |
| 2030 | February 11, 2030 | Monday |
History of International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The observance was created by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly adopted in December 2015, making it one of the newer entries in the UN calendar of international days. Its first official celebration took place on February 11, 2016, with a high-level forum at UN headquarters on expanding women's participation in science. The date itself is not tied to a single historical event; the assembly chose it to anchor an annual campaign. Since then the day has been marked each year with a themed forum co-organized by UN agencies and partner institutions, alongside grassroots events in schools, museums, and research institutes around the world.
How to Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science
- Invite a woman scientist, engineer, or data analyst to speak at a school or community event.
- Mentor a girl interested in STEM or help her sign up for a coding club or science camp.
- Share the work of women researchers on social media, from classic figures to current voices.
- Visit a science museum or university open lab that is hosting a February 11 event.
- Support scholarships and organizations that fund girls' education in STEM fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
- The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed every year on February 11, a fixed date set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.
- Is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science a public holiday?
- No. It is a United Nations international observance, not a public holiday. Work and school continue as usual, though universities and research institutes often hold special events.
- How is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science observed?
- People observe the day through school workshops, mentorship programs, panel discussions, and campaigns that highlight women's contributions to science and push for equal opportunities in STEM.