International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on February 11. The year 2016 marks the first observance of this day. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, called for more efforts to empower girls and women through and in science, as a foundation to take forward the 2030 Agenda.

2016 Theme: “Transforming the World: Parity in Science”

The new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development underlines the power of science as a driver for human rights and dignity, poverty eradication and the protection of the planet. According to the most recent UNESCO Science Report, women account for only 28 percent of researchers across the world, with the gap deepening at the higher echelons of decision-making.

According to a recent UN study, women and girls are far less likely to earn degrees in science; only 18 percent of female students versus 37 percent of male students are likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.

Bokova has officially become a candidate for the position of the next Secretary-General. Ban Ki-moon’s term as the eighth United Nations Secretary-General will conclude on Dec. 31, 2016.

In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2015 declaring Feb. 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.