11 February 2026 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a United Nations observance established to promote full and equal access to science for women and girls.
Science and gender equality are both vital if societies are to reach their full potential. Yet despite progress over recent decades, women and girls remain underrepresented across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
According to UNESCO, women make up only around one third of researchers globally and represent about 35 percent of STEM graduates. These figures highlight persistent gaps in participation and opportunity.
The day therefore serves as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of how much work remains to be done.
The scale of the gender gap
Across advanced fields such as artificial intelligence and engineering, representation can be even lower.
Women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions in STEM, shaping who makes decisions about research priorities, innovation and technology policy.
Entry into STEM has improved in many countries. However, career progression and senior roles are still disproportionately held by men.
Barriers begin early
Obstacles often start in childhood.
Persistent stereotypes about who is naturally suited for subjects such as computing, maths and physics can influence subject choices at school. When girls rarely see female engineers, scientists or technology leaders represented in media or educational materials, it can reinforce the sense that these fields are not for them.
Visibility matters because young people tend to imagine futures they can see. Seeing women speak at events, lead research teams or build technology makes those pathways feel real and achievable.
That is why organisations such as TecWomen and TecGirls play an important role. By showcasing female role models, running workshops and creating supportive communities, they help counter stereotypes and give girls practical experiences that build both skills and confidence.
Confidence also plays a significant role.
Research from UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report and the American Psychological Association shows that girls often underestimate their abilities in maths and technology even when their academic performance matches that of boys.
The UNESCO report highlights how gender stereotypes in classrooms, textbooks and wider culture shape self perception from an early age. When scientific ability is subtly associated with boys, girls are more likely to doubt their own competence.
A lack of visible female role models reinforces this effect. Without targeted encouragement, mentoring and inclusive teaching practices, many girls step away from STEM pathways before they have fully explored their potential.
Why women leave STEM careers
For women who do enter STEM professions, new barriers can emerge.
Research from McKinsey & Company’s Women in the Workplace report shows that promotion bottlenecks persist.
Women are less likely than men to be promoted to managerial and leadership roles even when performance is equivalent. The report highlights that men are more often promoted based on perceived potential, while women must demonstrate established performance before being considered for advancement.
Workplace culture can also be a challenge.
Many women report feeling isolated in male dominated teams, carrying unpaid responsibilities such as mentoring or diversity work, and encountering microaggressions. Over time, these pressures contribute to burnout and attrition.
Flexible working remains a critical issue.
Although remote and hybrid policies expanded in recent years, return to office mandates and rigid schedules have disproportionately affected women, particularly those balancing caring responsibilities.
Surveys indicate that a significant proportion of women in tech consider leaving their roles due to stress, limited progression and poor work life balance.
This pattern, commonly described as the leaky pipeline, means the sector loses experienced professionals just as they reach mid career and senior levels.
Why representation still matters for AI
While the primary focus is equality of opportunity, there are wider implications for technology.
Artificial intelligence systems are increasingly used in recruitment, healthcare, legal decisions and public services. If the teams designing these tools lack diversity, blind spots can go unnoticed and bias can become coded into systems that millions depend on.
Ensuring women are represented in AI development is one important way to reduce the risk of technology reinforcing inequality.
However, experts stress that removing structural barriers must come first. Fair access to education, transparent promotion systems, strong mentorship and genuine flexibility are fundamental to retaining talent.
From vision to impact
The 2026 theme, From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap, signals a shift towards measurable action.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is not only about celebrating success stories. It is about confronting the persistent barriers that prevent many women and girls from entering, staying and thriving in STEM.
Until those barriers are dismantled, science will continue to operate below its full potential.
