Ever heard someone tell you that you can’t work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields just because you’re a woman? These old and outdated stereotypes are vanishing, but still – unluckily – exist in our society. Women and girls have the same potential as anyone else, but often lack equal opportunities.
For the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s remember all that was accomplished by women: a testament to young girls to remember that they can reach any height they set their minds to.
Big accomplishments: women in science
Women’s brilliance has always played a significant and influential role in science, but it has simply been ignored or underestimated. Women were restrained from working in STEM fields, through a lack of access to education and autonomy.
Despite facing barriers and discrimination, women have made significant contributions to science and society through their research and discoveries. Their curiosity, ambition, and expertise have driven meaningful change across fields and generations. Here are some women in STEM who can inspire young girls to explore careers in science and technology:
- Mae C. Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut. In 1992, she was a crew member on the spaceship Endeavour;
- Sara Seager, an American astronomer, who has contributed to the discovery of 715 exoplanets during her time working with the Kepler Space Telescope;
- Frances Arnold, PhD, a Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, who used evolution to design new enzymes essential for many fields, from pharmaceuticals to renewable fuels;
- Katie Bouman, PhD, a computer scientist and imaging engineer whose algorithms helped create the first-ever image of a black hole;
- Mary Brunkow, PhD, an American molecular biologist, she identified a mutation in a gene which explained the genetic basis of a severe autoimmune disorder;
These are just some of the women that are changing the world, women who believed in themselves and dismantle gender stereotypes and biases in science everyday.
Still, you don’t need to change the world to be great – believing in your abilities and intelligence and starting a career in STEM is enough to be proud of yourself.
Closing the gender gap
Young girls are still hesitant to pursue careers in STEM. Closing the gender gap in these fields is therefore essential to show that their goals are not out of reach, but achievable. To take concrete action, UNESCO has outlined some steps to follow, for institutions, universities, governments, and the private sector:
- Dismantling gender stereotypes and biases in science. For example, by organizing events and activities featuring female scientists;
- Opening pathways for girls in science. They need to know that STEM subjects are a viable option for them, and are recognised when they excel;
- Create inclusive and diverse workplace environments.
Eliminating the gender gap is a long, hard, and challenging process, but starting today means creating the conditions for more brilliant women in science tomorrow.
Women and girls and today’s science fields
Gender inequality still lingers in STEM fields, often leading girls and women to doubt their ability to succeed . However, according to UNESCO, young women are more likely to enrols in higher education than young men, but women only account for 35% of science graduates.
In this context, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science plays an important role in supporting gender equality in STEM fields and reminding girls that they are smart and capable of pursuing a career in a scientific fields.
In occasion of this day, UNESCO organised a one-day event under the theme “From vision to impact: Redefining STEM by closing the gender gap,” with the aim of bring positive change in this matter. The event focuses on building more gender-inclusive STEM ecosystemand highlights the positive impact of women in STEM through personal testimonies and evidence-based discussions.
The event will take place on 11 February 2026, from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, but you can also follow the event online.
While many Young girlsmay feel discouraged from pursuing a career in STEM, creating a more inclusive and diverse scientific environmentcan help build a better future for them and forsociety as a whole.