February 11 celebrates several anniversaries, including the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, established by the United Nations in 2015. This day highlights the need for equitable participation of women and girls in science, aiming to close the gender gap that persists in many parts of the world. The celebration addresses the importance of encouraging young women to pursue careers in scientific fields and recognizes the contributions of women scientists.

The UN has emphasized the need for measures to overcome the barriers that limit the involvement of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Reports from UNESCO highlight various challenges faced by women in these areas, including societal norms, limited access to education, and inadequate support systems. The observance of this day serves to call attention to these issues and inspire actionable change at global and local levels.

As more organizations and communities recognize this day, the hope is to create greater awareness and inspire future generations of women to engage in scientific endeavors. The commitment to fostering an environment conducive to gender equality in science is critical to achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring that women can contribute fully to innovations in the scientific community.