Celebrate Women and Girls in Science on February 11! While Science and Gender Equality are vital for the achievement of global sustainable development goals, today less than 30 percent of researchers worldwide are women. The United Nations (UN) is leading the charge by declaring February 11, 2021 as the sixth International Day of Women and Girls in Science.†  International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.  Leading Argonne National Laboratory’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an autonomous international organization within the United Nations system, Programs in the Strategic Security Sciences Division allows me to encounter the widespread efforts to increase the participation of women in science.  The future in STEM depends on our ability to successfully engage and amplify voices cross-culturally.

So today, I encourage you to take time out of your day and take action. Here are simple ways to support women and girls in science:

  • Send an email/call/text/social media post to recognize a woman in science who is achieving, innovating and researching
  • Say yes to her request, participate in her panel, prioritize her request, or offer her an opportunity
  • Advocate for practices and engage with organizations that advance women’s empowerment

Click here for more information on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

And join the conversation on social media with #WomenInScience.

About Sunaree Hamilton

Sunaree Hamilton provides leadership for Argonne National Laboratory’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Programs. Activities organized under her leadership in cooperation with the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme provide support for the transfer of nuclear science, technology and applications for peaceful uses and the achievement of the            sustainable development in the international community.

 

†the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/70/212 declaring 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.