In 2015, the UN declared 11th February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day celebrates the vital role women and girls play in science. It also aims to raise awareness of the aim to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Women and girls make up half of the world's population but are still underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines at all levels, all over the world.

Key facts:

• Women accounted for one in three (33%) researchers in 2018.
• Women remain a minority in digital information technology, computing, physics, mathematics and engineering.  
• Female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers.
• Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues.
• Only around 20% of students taking Physics A Level are female.

Looking for resources to learn more about women in STEM?

• Our Space Jobs activities tackle stereotypes
• Explore our diverse range of Career Heroes
• A talk from PhD student Sarah McDonald about overcoming obstacles to fulfil her career hopes.