The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11 every year. The day is observed by the United Nations to promote full and equal access and participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

This year will be the ninth International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly. Recognising the role of women and girls in science as agents of change, including in view of accelerating progress towards the achievement of SDGs 16 and 17, the 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly’s main theme is: “Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability” and the subtheme is “Think Science … Think Peace”, a statement on the un.org said.

On March 14, 2011, the Commission on the Status of Women adopted a report at its 55th session, with agreed conclusions on access and participation of women and girls in education, training and science and technology, and for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work, the website on UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science said.

On December 20, 2013, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on science, technology and innovation for development, in which it recognised that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

The 9th Assembly, United Nations said, will bring together women in science leaders and experts from around the world, high-level government officials, representatives of international organizations, and the private sector to discuss women’s leadership in achieving the three pillars of Sustainable Development, namely economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity.