International Day of Women and Girls in Science

11 Feb International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The 11th of February is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals. Over the past 15 years, the global community has made a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science.

At present, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women. According to UNESCO data (2014 – 2016), only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education.

The International RiverFoundation’s Vera Thiess Fellowship for Women gives women from developing countries the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, with the goal of advancing women’s participation in the STEM fields of water and river management.

Here is a message from our 2018 Vera Thiess recipients for any girls hoping to enter the field of science.

“Just look around, be immersed in a world full of mystery and wonder waiting to be discovered. By treading a scientific path, you have an awesome opportunity to try to solve the mysteries that comprise life’s greatest puzzles, adding to this fascinating body of knowledge. It’s a road more and more women are venturing down, so join us! Pursue your Science to its fullest potential and be the best you can be because winners never quit and quitters never win. A big shout out to all the women in science, past, present, and future. We’ve got this!  #InternationalDayofWomenandGirls #STEMmatters”
 – Charity Mundava

“Don’t let anyone dictate what you can and cannot do. Women have the power to go beyond boundaries and stereotypes set by society. It is about time that we help each other unleash the potential of women and girls especially in the field of science so that we can make the world a much better place.”
– Carmina Rivera