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The United Nations General Assembly decided in 2015
to establish an
annual International Day to recognize the critical role women and
girls play in science and technology.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11
February, is implemented by UNESCO
(the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
and UN-Women, in collaboration with institutions and partners.
The Day is an opportunity to promote full and equal
access to, and participation in, science for women and girls. Gender
equality is a global priority for UNESCO, and the support of young
girls, their education and their full ability to make their ideas
heard are levers for development and peace.
This year's celebration focuses on Closing the Gender Gap in Science: Accelerating Action.
CSIRO polled readers of its children's science magazine,
Double Helix to hear
about their career aspirations.
Jessica, pictured above, replied
"When I grow up, I would like to be a person who looks up to the stars
and studies space. Scientists predict when meteorite showers, solar
and lunar eclipses, and so much more will happen. I could find a way
for astronauts to go further than anyone has before. If you haven’t
guessed it, I would be an astrophysicist."
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