On February 11, 2026, UNESCO will host a global event at its headquarters in Paris to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Under the theme “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap,” this year’s celebration marks a critical shift from setting recommendations to showcasing real-world solutions that build inclusive scientific ecosystems.
Why It Matters
Despite decades of progress, women still represent less than one-third of the world’s researchers. UNESCO emphasizes that closing this gender gap is not just a matter of fairness—it is essential for the quality, relevance, and impact of global innovation. This 2026 event builds on the momentum of the 2024 “Call to Action” and the 2025 “#EveryVoiceInScience” campaign.
Key Focus Areas
The 2026 program, organized in collaboration with Femmes@Numérique, will highlight evidence-based discussions and personal testimonies. The event will specifically explore how inclusivity has driven success in four high-impact fields:
- Health Research: Improving outcomes through diverse perspectives.
- Cybersecurity: Addressing the urgent need for female talent in digital defense.
- Artificial Intelligence: Ensuring ethical and unbiased AI development.
- Scientific Entrepreneurship: Supporting women as leaders in the tech economy.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
- Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (CET)
- Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France (Hybrid Format)
- Participants: Renowned scientists (including L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science laureates), Member States, private sector stakeholders, and students.
How to Join
While in-person registration for the Paris event is currently at capacity, the event is being held in a hybrid format. Global participants can still register to attend virtually via Zoom to join the conversation and help shape a future where science and gender equality advance together.
Register for online participation here
For more information, click here