According to UNESCO, the theme for the 10th anniversary of this day is "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science." Symposia commemorating the day will be held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

Last year's assembly, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, brought together women leaders and experts in science, government officials, representatives of international organizations, and private sector stakeholders to discuss women's leadership in achieving sustainable development goals aimed at economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity.

The theme for the 2023 event was "Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. I.D.E.A.: Bringing Communities Forward for Sustainable and Equitable Development."

The 8th Assembly focused on building connections between the international community and women in science by linking their knowledge and expertise to practical applications relevant to the 2030 agenda and its 17 global goals.

The 7th Assembly addressed the water nexus about the three pillars of sustainable development: economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity.

In 2021, Olay announced plans to send science lesson kits to teachers to spotlight educators who are heroes and mentors in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Inside the kits, teachers found letters and videos from female leaders, scientific tools for in-person and virtual learning, and a skin science lesson plan highlighting the importance of hydration.

February 11, 2020, marked the 5th annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Established in 2015, this day recognizes the critical roles that women and girls play in science and technology. UNESCO and UN-Women, in collaboration with various institutions and civil society partners, organize the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to promote women and girls in science.

To commemorate the occasion in 2020, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka released statements addressing the gender imbalance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

"Over the past 15 years, the global community has made significant efforts to inspire and engage women and girls in science. However, women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully in science," Guterres stated.

He pointed out that "currently, less than 30 percent of researchers worldwide are women," citing UNESCO data from 2014-2016, which indicates that only 30 percent of female students choose STEM-related fields in higher education.

The enrollment of female students is particularly low in information and communication technology (3 percent), natural sciences, mathematics, and statistics (5 percent), and engineering, manufacturing, and construction (8 percent).

Guterres emphasized that long-standing biases and gender stereotypes deter girls and women from pursuing science-related fields.

"As in the real world, the representation on-screen reflects similar biases," he added. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka highlighted the ongoing challenges, stating, "We still have a long way to go to tackle the challenges that remain for women and girls in science."

She noted that "less than 30 percent of the world's researchers are women, with studies showing that women in STEM are published less, paid less for their research, and do not advance as far as men in their careers."

Mlambo-Ngcuka called for greater exposure to positive role models for young people, including female engineers, astronauts, and researchers.

Guterres underscored that addressing the challenges of the 21st century requires leveraging the world's full potential, which means dismantling gender stereotypes. He also mentioned that the Women's Empowerment Principles, developed by UN Women, guide companies and other organizations.

Happy New Year! Looking forward to welcoming you on Tuesday #February11 2025 at UNHQ. pic.twitter.com/qIrJDUyxNR

— Women in Science Day (@WomenScienceDay) January 1, 2025