International Day of Women and Girls in STEM
Every year on February 11th, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day recognizes the important role women have in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It was created by the United Nations to encourage more women and girls to join these fields.
In 2025, the theme is “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” which means showing how important it is for women to be represented in STEM. Although progress has been made, countries like Pakistan still have a lot of work to do. Many women face big challenges when trying to get into these fields.
In Pakistan, there is a big difference between men and women in STEM. More women enroll in humanities than in science. Gender inequality in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field is considered a feminist issue in modern times because, overall, women are likely to enroll less in the STEM education field in comparison with men. Statistics show that forty-six percent of women are enrolled in the Humanities discipline in Pakistan, whereas enrollment in scientific and technical subjects is comparatively low. Pakistan ranks at 145 positions out of 146 with a gender gap index of 0.057, which has decreased by 3 points from last year.
In Pakistan, people often think STEM is for men, and girls are guided to other roles. Schools in rural areas often lack good facilities and trained teachers, and families tend to prioritize boys' education. Even when women enter STEM fields, they face negative attitudes, lower pay, and fewer chances to become leaders.
For women with disabilities, the barriers are even greater. Physical accessibility in labs and opportunities for those with visual and hearing impairments are often not available. Society often sees disabilities as incompetence, adding to the gender bias.
Governments need to support inclusive STEM education. Companies should check for bias in hiring. Teachers should receive training to support all students, regardless of gender or ability. And everyone should challenge the idea that STEM is not for women.
As 2025 continues, let's make real progress. It’s about supporting the deaf girl coding her first app, the rural teenager building solar panels, and the chemist in a wheelchair creating new drugs. Their futures—and ours—depend on it.
