International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2018 observed globally

11 February: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was observed across the world on February 11, 2018 with an aim to achieve full and equal participation of women and girls in science and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

This year, the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) organised a two-days forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from February 8 to February 9 2018 focusing firmly on “Equality and Parity in Science for Peace and Development”.

The forum was organised in collaboration with Malta Government, UNCTAD, Permanent Missions to the United Nations, International Labour Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization, the International Telecommunication Union and International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Background
The idea to proclaim International Day of Women and Girls in Science evolved during the first High-Level World Women's Health and Development Forum organized by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) and The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs on February 11, 2015 at the United Nations Headquarters.

Following this, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution (70/212) in December 2015, proclaiming February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.  

In years 2016 and 2017, the RASIT observed the International Day in collaboration and partnership with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) and the Government of Malta.

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