International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Empowering the Future of American Innovation

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a significant annual observance in the United States that serves as a powerful reminder of the indispensable role women play in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In a nation that prides itself on being a global leader in technological advancement and scientific discovery, this day focuses on a critical mission: ensuring that the doors of innovation are wide open to everyone, regardless of gender. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of past and present female scientists while actively dismantling the barriers that prevent young girls from pursuing their curiosities about the natural world and the digital frontier.

What makes this day truly special in the American context is its dual focus on celebration and call-to-action. Across the United States—from the high-tech corridors of Silicon Valley to the prestigious research institutions of the Ivy League and the aerospace hubs in Texas and Florida—the day is marked by a spirit of mentorship and progress. It honors the trailblazers who defied societal expectations to map the stars, decode the human genome, and develop life-saving vaccines. Simultaneously, it addresses the sobering reality that women remain underrepresented in many technical sectors, particularly in engineering and computer science, where they often hold less than 30% of the workforce positions.

This observance is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a catalyst for cultural change within the American scientific community. It encourages universities, government agencies like NASA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and private tech giants to reflect on their diversity initiatives. By highlighting the success stories of women in STEM, the day aims to provide young American girls with "relatable role models"—showing them that a career in quantum physics, marine biology, or artificial intelligence is not just a possibility, but a path where they can lead and excel.

When is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2026?

The United States joins the global community in celebrating this important day every February. For the upcoming year, the observance will take place on:

Date: February 11, 2026 Day of the Week: Wednesday Countdown: There are 39 days remaining until this event.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a fixed-date observance. It is held annually on February 11th. This specific date was chosen by the United Nations to provide a consistent focal point for advocacy and educational programming each year. Because it is a fixed date, it often falls on different days of the week, but its significance remains constant as a bridge between the beginning of the spring academic semester and the lead-up to Women’s History Month in March.

History and Origins: A Global Mandate for Equality

The origins of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science are rooted in the collective recognition that global challenges—such as climate change, pandemics, and sustainable development—cannot be solved if half of the world’s talent is left on the sidelines. The United Nations General Assembly officially established this day on December 22, 2015, through Resolution 70/212.

The resolution was a response to decades of data showing a persistent gender gap in STEM disciplines. Despite women making significant strides in higher education, they continued to face systemic hurdles in research funding, publishing opportunities, and senior leadership roles. The UN, supported by organizations like UNESCO and UN-Women, realized that a dedicated international day was necessary to keep the pressure on governments and institutions to promote gender parity.

In the United States, the day gained immediate traction due to the country’s ongoing national dialogue regarding "STEM education" as a matter of national security and economic competitiveness. While the day honors global icons like Marie Curie—the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win them in two different sciences—American celebrations often highlight domestic pioneers. These include figures like Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights, and Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneer of computer programming. The establishment of this day provided a formal framework for American schools and organizations to integrate these historical narratives into their curriculum.

How People Celebrate Across the United States

Celebrations in the U.S. are diverse and largely decentralized, characterized by a mix of high-level policy discussions and grassroots educational activities. Unlike traditional holidays that involve parades or feasts, this day is celebrated through the exchange of knowledge and the strengthening of professional networks.

Educational Workshops and School Programs

In K-12 schools across the country, teachers use February 11th to introduce students to female scientists who have shaped the modern world. Many schools host "Science Fairs" or "STEM Days" where local female engineers or doctors are invited to speak to students. The goal is to "break the stereotype" of what a scientist looks like. Activities might include hands-on coding workshops for girls, chemistry demonstrations led by female faculty, or screenings of documentaries like Hidden Figures.

University Symposia and Career Panels

Higher education institutions are major hubs for this observance. Universities like MIT, Stanford, and Georgia Tech often host webinars and panel discussions featuring female researchers. These events tackle tough questions about "the leaky pipeline"—the phenomenon where women leave STEM careers at higher rates than men—and discuss strategies for work-life balance, overcoming unconscious bias, and securing research grants.

Corporate Initiatives and Pledges

The American private sector, particularly in the tech and pharmaceutical industries, uses this day to announce new diversity goals or scholarship programs. Companies may host internal networking events for their female employees or launch mentorship programs that pair senior executives with early-career women. Many organizations use the hashtag #WomenInScience on social media to highlight the contributions of their female staff, reaching millions of users and promoting a culture of inclusivity.

The New York City Connection (UN Headquarters)

As the home of the United Nations, New York City serves as a central point for the day’s global activities. Each year, a High-Level Assembly is held at the UN Headquarters. This event brings together scientists, government officials, and youth representatives from around the world to discuss how gender equality in science can accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2026, specifically on February 11, UNESCO is expected to host a global hybrid event, allowing people from all over the U.S. to participate virtually in these high-level discussions.

Traditions and Customs in the Scientific Community

While the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a relatively young observance, several traditions have begun to take root within the American scientific community:

The "Letter to My Younger Self" Tradition: Many female scientists publish essays or social media posts reflecting on their journey, offering advice to the next generation of girls interested in science. This tradition emphasizes the human element of scientific discovery—the failures, the persistence, and the eventual breakthroughs. Mentorship Pledges: It has become common for established scientists to "pledge" a certain number of hours to mentor young women and girls. This is often facilitated through platforms like the Million Women Mentors (MWM) network or the Association for Women in Science (AWIS). Lab Tours and Open Houses: Many research facilities that are usually closed to the public may offer special virtual or in-person tours for girl-led organizations like the Girl Scouts of the USA. Seeing a working laboratory—the high-tech equipment, the white coats, the collaborative atmosphere—can be a life-changing experience for a middle-school student. Wearing "Science Gear": In a more casual tradition, supporters often wear clothing that celebrates science—T-shirts with periodic table puns, jewelry shaped like DNA helices, or apparel featuring famous female scientists—to spark conversations in their daily lives.

Practical Information for 2026

For those looking to participate in the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in the United States, there are numerous opportunities to engage:

Local Events and STEM Hubs

If you are in a major city, check the schedules of local science museums and planetariums. For example: New York City: Aside from the UN activities, institutions like the American Museum of Natural History often have special exhibits. In 2026, a notable in-person panel is scheduled at the Instituto Cervantes (211-215 East 49th Street) at 6:00 PM, featuring renowned glaciologist Dr. Robin Bell and other experts discussing the critical role of glaciers in our ecosystem. Washington D.C.: The Smithsonian Institution frequently hosts events highlighting women in the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. San Francisco/Silicon Valley: Look for "Women in Tech" meetups and workshops hosted by various tech incubators.

Online Engagement

For those in rural areas or those who prefer virtual participation, the day is heavily digitized. The website womeninscienceday.org serves as a central clearinghouse for global activities. You can find links to webinars, digital toolkits for teachers, and platforms where you can sign a "Declaration of Support" for women in science.

Supporting the Cause

One of the most impactful ways to observe the day is through financial support. Many Americans choose to donate to scholarship funds specifically earmarked for girls entering STEM degrees. Organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Girls Who Code are popular recipients of these contributions.

Is it a Public Holiday in the United States?

It is important for visitors, students, and workers to note that the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is not a public holiday in the United States.

Government Offices: All federal, state, and local government offices remain open. Schools and Universities: Educational institutions do not close. In fact, schools are often the most active sites for the observance, with the day being treated as a regular instructional day filled with special themed activities. Businesses: Private businesses, including banks and grocery stores, operate during their standard business hours. Public Transit: Buses, subways, and trains follow their normal weekday schedules. There are no travel disruptions or road closures associated with this day.

• Mail Delivery: The United States Postal Service (USPS) and private carriers like FedEx and UPS deliver mail as usual.

Since it is not a "day off," the observance relies on the proactive engagement of individuals and organizations to make it meaningful. If you are a student or an employee, you should expect to be at your desk or in your lab on February 11, 2026, but you might find that your lunch hour or afternoon is occupied by a special guest speaker or a departmental celebration of female staff.

The 2026 Theme and Looking Ahead

Each year, the United Nations selects a specific theme to focus the global conversation. While the exact theme for 2026 is typically finalized closer to the date by UN-Women and UNESCO, it always aligns with the broader goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Recent themes have focused on "Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth" and "Charting Progress to Shape the Future."

In the United States, the 2026 observance is expected to place a heavy emphasis on the intersection of science and social equity. With the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence, there is a growing national conversation about the need for female perspectives in AI development to prevent algorithmic bias. We can expect many events in 2026 to focus on "Women in the Digital Frontier" and the role of female scientists in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Conclusion: Why This Day Matters for America

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a vital component of the American scientific landscape. It serves as a yearly "check-up" on the health of the nation's innovation pipeline. By celebrating the achievements of women and advocating for the empowerment of girls, the United States reinforces its commitment to a future where scientific progress is driven by the best minds, regardless of gender.

Whether you are a professional scientist, a parent of a curious daughter, or a citizen who believes in the power of education, February 11, 2026 offers a chance to contribute to a more equitable world. By attending a lecture, supporting a scholarship, or simply sharing the story of a woman who changed the world through science, you become part of a global movement that is quite literally shaping the future of humanity. As we look forward to Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the message remains clear: science needs women, and the world needs science.