About International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on 11 February. Declared by the UN General Assembly in 2015, it promotes full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.
The UN General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in December 2015, and it was first observed in 2016. It was created because women and girls remain under-represented in many areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The day celebrates the achievements of women scientists and encourages girls to follow their curiosity into labs, classrooms and careers in research and technology.
How it is marked
UNESCO and UN Women lead the observance with partners. Universities and research institutes hold talks, lab visits and mentoring sessions. Schools invite women scientists and engineers to speak with students, and many organisations share profiles of women in science online.
In India, schools and science institutions often use the day to highlight the work of Indian women scientists, from pioneers in chemistry and botany to researchers in space and medicine. It also sits close to National Science Day on 28 February, making February a month of science activities in many schools.
What to write
Encourage curiosity and confidence, and thank the women who inspire you.
- Keep taking the toaster apart, beta. Just unplug it first. Happy Women and Girls in Science Day.
- To the scientist in our family, thank you for showing us that curiosity has no gender.
- Happy Women and Girls in Science Day, ma'am. Your chemistry classes are the reason I went into research.
How to wish someone on International Day of Women and Girls in Science
encouragement for curious girls, and recognition of women whose work moves science forward
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science important?
Women and girls are still under-represented in many science and technology fields. The day highlights their achievements and encourages equal access to education and careers in science.
How can schools mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
Schools can invite women scientists to speak, run hands-on experiments for girls, and ask students to research and present the work of a woman scientist.
Is this day the same as National Science Day in India?
No. This UN day falls on 11 February. National Science Day in India is on 28 February and marks C. V. Raman's discovery of the Raman effect.
When is International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2026?
International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 falls on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
What is International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on 11 February. Declared by the UN General Assembly in 2015, it promotes full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.
Is International Day of Women and Girls in Science a public holiday?
Holiday status for International Day of Women and Girls in Science varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
Focus on encouragement for curious girls, and recognition of women whose work moves science forward. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated International Day of Women and Girls in Science card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .