Kathmandu. Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day is being celebrated in different countries of the world to ensure equal access and participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics related fields.

The United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2015 had decided to observe February 11 every year.

Globally, there has long been gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at all levels. While women have made significant progress in increasing their participation in higher education, their representation in these areas is still low.

Gender equality has been one of the main agendas of the United Nations. Women and girls empowerment and gender equality will make an important contribution not only to the world’s economic development but also to achieving all the goals and objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The UN Commission on Women, at its 55th session on 14 March 2011, adopted a report with agreed conclusions on increasing the access and participation of women and girls in education, training and science and technology, and promoting equal women’s access to full employment and decent work.

Similarly, on December 20, 2013, the General Assembly adopted the Resolution on Science, Technology and Innovation and reaffirmed that ensuring full and equal participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is essential for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields should create an environment in which every girl can imagine her future and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to progress continuously in her scientific career.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need for full and equal participation of women and girls in science and technology.