Date: February 11th, 2025
Event: International Women in Science Day 2025
Get Involved: It’s been well documented that as teachers we should support students in developing their science capital, as this helps to develop their science identity. At the end of primary school nearly a fifth of young people express an interest in becoming a scientist. Professor Louise Archer explained in her Keynote talk at ASE recently that, as students move through secondary school, the proportion aspiring to be a scientist drops – with the profile of those interested in science becoming increasingly male and privileged over time. Attainment is an important aspect of young people seeing themselves as scientists, but even those students who are attaining well will be hindered in their STEM participation if they don’t have a strong science identity. International Women in Science Day, celebrated annually on February 11th, provides an excellent platform to highlight the achievements of women in science and encourage all students, regardless of gender, to explore the exciting world of STEM.
Why Celebrate?
Despite making up 33% of researchers globally, women remain underrepresented in key scientific fields. For example, only 22% of AI professionals and 28% of engineering graduates are women. This disparity underscores the importance of International Women in Science Day as a moment to reflect, celebrate progress, and inspire future change.
By incorporating this day into your teaching plans, you help:
- Highlight Role Models: Sharing stories of pioneering women scientists like Marie Curie or modern innovators like Dr. Jennifer Doudna (https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/jennifer-doudna) can motivate students.
- Address Gender Gaps: Acknowledging the challenges women face in STEM and discussing ways to overcome them fosters an inclusive classroom environment.
- Encourage Participation: Celebrations can spark interest in STEM among all students, particularly girls who might not have considered these fields.
How to Celebrate
1. Assemblies: Kick off the day with a school-wide assembly filled with inspiring stories, statistics, and a call to action for students to support diversity in STEM. You will find ready-made assemblies on resource websites such as Twinkl.
Useful Video Resources which could be used in an assembly or lesson:
2. Classroom Activities: Dedicate a portion of your science lessons to discussing the contributions of women in science. Encourage students to research and present on female scientists, past and present. The compound interest webpage has lots of interesting infographics showcasing women in chemistry https://www.compoundchem.com/?s=women+in+chemistry. STEM Learning also has a collection of resources that you may find useful to explore: https://www.stem.org.uk/cxhhn8
3. Host a STEM Workshop: Organize hands-on STEM workshops or invite guest speakers from the scientific community, especially women in STEM, to talk about their career journeys. You have time to request a STEM Ambassador to do so https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/request-stem-ambassador
Make It Count
Celebrating International Women in Science Day doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair. Even small gestures, such as discussing the achievements of women in science with your classes, can make a big difference. By doing so, you’re helping to create a more inclusive and inspiring environment for all students.
Together, we can inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. Remember - you can’t be what you can’t see!
Join the Celebration Share your school’s activities on social media using #WomenInScience and let’s showcase the fantastic work being done to promote diversity in STEM.
By celebrating International Women in Science Day, you’re not just marking a date; you’re paving the way for a future where every student sees a place for themselves in the world of science.
Further Reading:
UNESCO Report on Women in Science