International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022

On 22 December 2015, the UN General Assembly decided to establish an annual International Day to recognise the critical role women and girls play in science and technology. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11 February, is an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. It aims at aims at raising awareness on the issue celebrating women’s excellence in science and reminding the international community that science and gender equality have to advance hand-in-hand to address major global challenges and achieve all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda.

Tackling some of the greatest challenges of the Agenda for Sustainable Development — from improving health to combating climate change — will rely on harnessing all talent. That means getting more women working in these fields. Diversity in research expands the pool of talented researchers, bringing in fresh perspectives, talent and creativity. This day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened.

EFDN’S STEM PROGRAMME

EFDN has launched a programme that promotes STEM education among girls and boys: the EFDN STEM Football & Education Programme. It is a pan-European project selected for financial support from UEFA Foundation for Children aiming to promote STEM Education amongst European youth. STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – is the field that helps children learn how to program, make codes, and understand technological devices. Statistics tell us there are currently more than a million job vacancies in the STEM industry, while at the same time only 16% of college students graduate in STEM fields or subjects. Demand for STEM jobs increased three times between 2000 and 2010, and continues to grow, with many new fields and professions emerging each day. With the support of project partner Sphero and their supplemental resources, EFDN plans to deliver STEM Education programmes across Europe using the power of football to keep children engaged and committed to learning.

Partner clubs of the EFDN STEM Programme are Morton in the Community (United Kingdom), PFC Ludogorets (Bulgaria), PSV Eindhoven (the Netherlands), Shakhtar Social (Ukraine), Newcastle United Foundation (United Kingdom), Feyenoord Rotterdam (the Netherlands), Aberdeen FC Community Trust (United Kingdom) and Legia Foundation (Poland).

Our members

Elisha Hope, Community Coach at Greenock Morton in the Community, is a great example of women and girls in science as well as she’s brilliant at challenging and engaging the kids. She’s a great role model for the participants and helps them gain confidence and more skills that are part of the EFDN STEM Football & Education programme. You can see more of her and her colleagues’ work in the video below.

Funding Partners