Breaking Barriers: Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global observance established by the United Nations to promote full and equal access for women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This day not only recognizes the incredible contributions of women in science but also highlights the persistent gender disparities in STEM fields and the importance of breaking barriers for future generations.
Despite remarkable advancements, women and girls still face significant challenges in accessing STEM education, career opportunities, and leadership roles. By celebrating this day, we acknowledge past and present achievements, advocate for more inclusivity, and encourage young girls to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators.
The Gender Gap in STEM: Why It Matters
Women have long contributed to scientific breakthroughs, yet they continue to be underrepresented in many STEM fields. Here’s a look at some key challenges:
Underrepresentation in STEM Careers – Women make up only 28% of the global STEM workforce, with even lower numbers in engineering and computer science.
Gender Bias & Stereotypes – Societal expectations often discourage girls from pursuing science and technology careers, leading to fewer female role models.
Pay & Funding Disparities – Women in STEM fields earn less than their male counterparts and receive less research funding.
Leadership Gaps – Women hold fewer leadership positions in scientific organizations, academia, and research institutions.
💡 Breaking these barriers is not just about fairness—it’s about ensuring that the world benefits from the best and brightest minds, regardless of gender.
Pioneering Women Who Changed the World
Throughout history, women have made groundbreaking contributions to science, often facing opposition and lack of recognition. Here are some pioneers who defied the odds:
Marie Curie – The first woman to win a Nobel Prize (and the only person to win in two different sciences – Physics & Chemistry). Her work on radioactivity paved the way for modern cancer treatments.
Rosalind Franklin – A key figure in the discovery of DNA’s structure. Her research provided the foundation for Watson and Crick’s famous double helix model, yet she was largely unrecognized during her lifetime.
Katherine Johnson – A NASA mathematician whose calculations helped send the first American astronauts into space. She was a key figure in breaking racial and gender barriers at NASA.
Tu Youyou – A Chinese pharmacologist who discovered a life-saving malaria treatment, earning her the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Her work has saved millions of lives worldwide.
Vera Rubin – An astrophysicist whose research confirmed the existence of dark matter, one of the greatest mysteries in the universe. Despite her achievements, she was denied many opportunities simply for being a woman.
These women defied societal expectations and shaped modern science, proving that innovation knows no gender.
Women in STEM Making an Impact in Spokane
Spokane is home to many inspiring women in STEM who are making a difference in various fields:
Dr. Celeste Baldwin – A Spokane-based biomedical researcher known for her work in cancer research and immunotherapy.
Dr. Patricia Butterfield – A leader in environmental health sciences, dedicated to researching the impact of pollutants on human health.
Megan Snow – A software engineer from Spokane helping drive technological advancements in AI and cybersecurity.
Dr. Kira Biolchini – A researcher working in biotechnology and sustainability, focusing on climate-conscious innovation.
🔗 Learn more about Spokane’s women in STEM here: empowerspokane.com/resources/women-in-stem-spokane
How to Support Women & Girls in Science
Whether you're a scientist, student, teacher, or community member, everyone can help break down barriers for women and girls in STEM! Here’s how:
Encourage Young Girls in STEM – Support STEM education programs and mentorship opportunities for girls interested in science.
Challenge Gender Bias – Advocate for gender-inclusive policies in schools, workplaces, and research institutions.
Support Women in STEM Careers – Recognize and celebrate women-led innovations and scientific discoveries.
Promote Equal Opportunities – Push for equal pay, funding, and leadership roles for women in STEM fields.
Amplify Women’s Voices – Share stories of women scientists, engineers, and tech leaders to inspire future generations.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Women in Science
The future of science is brighter, more inclusive, and more diverse when everyone has a seat at the table. By celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we recognize how far we’ve come—and how much work remains to be done.
