Throughout history, there has been a significant gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Although women have made huge strides in these areas, they are still underrepresented in these fields. The United Nations is trying to bridge this gap. In collaboration with the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), the United Nations (UN) Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) designated February 11th as International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) beginning in 2015.
IDWGIS to honors the contributions made by women in the field of science. It was originally adopted out of a declaration that was formed at the inaugural High-Level World Women’s Health and Development Forum, which reflected a global action agenda for global health and foreign policy. Celebrated internationally, this day is on the official United Nations calendar of observations.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly meets annually to have open discussions about identifying conditions and tools to put science, technology, and innovation at the heart of sustainable development programs, international relations, and more. This year, the assembly met on February 10th at the UN Headquarters in New York. In 2023, its focus is on clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; industry, innovation, and infrastructure; sustainable cities and communities; and means of implementation. The assembly will have over 80 speakers, including a first-time workshop for blind girls and a session on making science more accessible to the blind through braille. There will be a panel for discussion on the focus areas and a separate panel entitled “Think Science. Think Peace.”
For more information on the assembly and its initiatives, please visit their website.
Here is a list of related reading materials available here at the library:
Happy reading!