International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on 11 February, every year, with the aim to promote women and girls in science. This Day is an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Now is the time to recognise women’s contributions in research and innovation, smash stereotypes and defeat discrimination against women and girls in science. Both, science and gender equality are vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Over the years, the global community has made a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science. Yet women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully in science. According to UNESCO’s Science Report, only 33 percent of researchers are women, despite the fact that they represent 45 and 55 percent of students at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels of study respectively, and 44 percent of those enrolled in PhD programmes. Just as they solve their daily issues in their families, women are continually developing innovative, effective ways to improve their lives and even, develop their communities by bringing together their wisdom, intelligence and creativity, young women are, indeed, leading change and innovation.

This year’s theme is “Agents of Change” and will recognise the role of women and girls in science, not only as beneficiaries, but also as agents of change, including in view of accelerating progress towards the achievement of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Despite all the hardships and difficulties encountered by women and girls all around the world, without a doubt, they possess the collective power to change their lives, the societies, and the world we live in.

We, at the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), encourage all stakeholders to adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all young women, at all levels. WAY also encourages all member organisations to undertake necessary reforming actions in order to give young women the equal rights to economic resources, financial services, inheritance and natural resources. We believe meaningful progress must start with the rights and dignity of women, by nurturing their ingenuity as well as creativity, and enhancing the use of enabling technologies, in particular Information and Communication Technology, to empower young women.

Join us in celebrating women and girls, who are leading innovation and call for actions to remove all barriers that hold them back, let us acknowledge and applaud #WomenInScience!