International Day for Women and Girls in Science
The United Nations declared 11 February to be a day to celebrate women and girls in science. The day celebrates that science and gender equality play a pivotal role in achieving the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals. According to UNESCO data (2014-2016) around 30 percent of all female students select STEM- related fields in higher education. Gender stereotypes and long standing biases are hindering girls and women to participate in science related subjects. Celebrating this day brings awareness to the society of the importance of women and girls in building a powerful industry in fostering innovation. Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) a programme unit of the UNESCO has also taken the initiative of celebrating the International day for Women and Girls in Science. The OWSD is an international organization founded in 1987 and based at the offices of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in Trieste, Italy. The OWSD has different branches in developing countries referred to as National Chapter’s. The National Chapters exist to support women scientists in and from the Global South. The OWSD Southern Africa Regional National Chapter’s have joined hands in celebrating the International day for Women and Girls in science on the 11th of February 2021. These countries include South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe. # United we stand, divided we fall #Together we can # Mask up Africa
The United Nations declared 11 February to be a day to celebrate women and girls in science. The day celebrates that science and gender equality play a pivotal role in achieving the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals. According to UNESCO data (2014-2016) around 30 percent of all female students select STEM- related fields in higher education. Gender stereotypes and long standing biases are hindering girls and women to participate in science related subjects. Celebrating this day brings awareness to the society of the importance of women and girls in building a powerful industry in fostering innovation. Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) a programme unit of the UNESCO has also taken the initiative of celebrating the International day for Women and Girls in Science. The OWSD is an international organization founded in 1987 and based at the offices of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in Trieste, Italy. The OWSD has different branches in developing countries referred to as National Chapter’s. The National Chapters exist to support women scientists in and from the Global South. The OWSD Southern Africa Regional National Chapter’s have joined hands in celebrating the International day for Women and Girls in science on the 11th of February 2021. These countries include South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe. # United we stand, divided we fall #Together we can # Mask up Africa
