“On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s reiterate this fundamental message: women need science, and science needs women. Only by tapping into all sources of knowledge, all sources of talent, can we unlock the full potential of science, and rise to the challenges of our time.”
Audrey Azoulay
UNESCO Director-General
February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Implemented by UNESCO and UN-Women, this day recognizes the need for women and girls to have full and equal access to and participation in science. This includes science education, research fields and careers.
According to UNESCO, we have still not achieved gender equality in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. These fields are critical for national economics across the globe and would benefit from having more women share their skills, expertise and knowledge.
Unfortunately, the participation of women in these areas is still quite low despite global efforts to encourage more women and girls to pursue STEM-related careers. This results in future generations having fewer mentors to follow. The women currently in these fields continue to face gender discrimination and inequality when it comes to pay, leadership positions and opportunities for growth.
- The global average percentage of female researchers is only 33.3%
- Only 35% of all students in STEM related fields of study are women
- Only 30% of all countries with data available on the national share of women researchers had reached parity in 2016
(UNESCO stats)
The Impact of our Dream Programs
Education is the key to unlocking economic empowerment of the world’s women and girls. When women and girls are educated, they have opportunity, choice and power to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. Our Dream Programs can help more women and girls pursue careers in science.
Live Your Dream Awards
Each year, the Live Your Dream Awards provide over $2.8 million in education grants to nearly 1,800 women to help them achieve their educational goals—giving them the opportunity to study STEM-related fields if that’s what they choose. Since 1972 the program has helped tens of thousands of women achieve social and economic empowerment through access to education.
Dream It, Be It
Dream It, Be It offers teen girls support in identifying and achieving their education and career goals, while empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence and abuse. Soroptimist clubs work in partnership with girls in small groups or a conference setting, engaging in activities designed to help girls reflect, connect, and boost their confidence. Girls learn about topics like self-care, stress management, how to handle peer pressure, how to set SMART goals, and how to move forward after setbacks. They also meet local women who serve as role models and share their career experiences to inspire the girls to dream big. This would be a great time to introduce the girls to women who work in STEM fields. We believe that girls can be anything they dream, sometimes they just need someone to show them the way!
Your support helps make these programs possible for women and girls.