The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, this date recognizes the fundamental role of women in the scientific and technological community and promotes their full access and participation on equal terms. Driven by the United Nations in coordination with UNESCO and UN Women, the commemoration aims to highlight the persistent gaps in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
At the national level, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) highlighted that the access of women and girls to science is not only a matter of development but also a human rights issue. The body reminded that guaranteeing equal opportunities in scientific education implies eliminating discriminatory practices, gender stereotypes, and institutional obstacles that limit access and permanence in academic and research spaces. It also emphasized that fostering scientific vocations from an early age helps to reduce future labor gaps and strengthens the social fabric.
The UN emphasizes that the inclusion of women in scientific research expands the quality and relevance of the knowledge generated, favoring more comprehensive solutions to global challenges such as climate change, public health, and digital transformation. This day also seeks to inspire new generations through female role models in laboratories, universities, and innovation centers, strengthening inclusive leadership models.
The commemoration highlights the importance of promoting gender stereotype-free scientific education, supporting mentorship and networks for girls and young people, ensuring equitable working conditions in research, and fostering public policies that favor family and labor co-responsibility. Both the UN and the CNDH agree that equality in science is not just a sectoral goal but a condition for the democratic and sustainable development of societies.
