Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated every year on February 11, is a reminder of the vital role women play in shaping our world. As a woman-led business and a proud advocate for gender equality, SheThrives am passionate about encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, it's important to recognise the vital contributions that women have made to the field of science.

Here are 10 inspiring statistics that highlight the impact of women in science:

1. Women represent 70% of the world's health and social care workforce, playing critical roles in advancing scientific research and development.
2. Despite comprising half of the global population, women hold just 28% of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs.
3. In 2020, a record number of women won Nobel Prizes in science, including the first female laureate in mathematics, Dr. Karen Uhlenbeck.
4. Studies have shown that diverse teams, including those with gender diversity, produce better results and are more innovative in problem-solving.
5. The gender gap in STEM education is slowly closing, with more girls than ever before pursuing STEM degrees in college.
6. Less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women.
7. Women hold only 24% of STEM jobs in Australia.
8. Only 3% of Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, and medicine have been awarded to women.
9. Girls are less likely than boys to consider a career in STEM and more likely to drop out of STEM education.
10. Women in STEM often experience gender bias, harassment, and discrimination, which can lead to lower pay, fewer opportunities for advancement, and lower job satisfaction.

It's clear that women have made significant strides in the field of science, but there is still much work to be done in achieving gender equality and breaking down barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the field. International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a time to celebrate the progress made and to continue pushing forward towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

We need to do more to support and encourage women and girls to pursue STEM careers. This means addressing the cultural, social, and institutional barriers that hold them back. It means providing girls with role models and mentors, promoting diversity and inclusion, and offering training and career development opportunities.

Whether you're a young girl with a passion for science or a seasoned professional in the field, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a reminder to be unstoppable in pursuing your dreams and breaking down barriers. Let's continue to inspire and empower the next generation of female scientists to make their mark on the world.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us pledge to work together to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to pursue her dreams and unleash her full potential. Let us be unstoppable in our pursuit of gender equality in STEM and beyond.