Science is defined as “the knowledge about the structure and behavior of the natural and physical world, based on facts that you can prove” by the oxford dictionary; it is the quest for curiosity that coincides with the laws of nature. A trait that dominates the essence of human consciousness, irrespective of the gender. And yet, the reality diverges from this truth.

11th February has been celebrated as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science since 2015. It enables us to recognize the significance of female contribution in the world of science and technology.
Although the celebration of such a day reminds us about the impact of women in STEM, it also raises concern about women’s place in the pioneering journey of science. Why should we need a day to acknowledge female contribution?

The contributions of females like Barbara McClintock, Marie Curie, and Andrea Ghez have been widely acknowledged and appreciated globally, but the work of Rosalind Franklin, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, and Lise Meitner never saw the light of acceptance under their names due to the politics and sexism. Irrespective of the growing acceptance, such factors still affect many women in their work area, forcing them to assume that there is only one place for women in each scientific gathering. In addition to the gender-neutral publication of scientific papers and encouraging young girls to pursue a scientific path, we also need to look out for each other. We need to create more places for other women in the community and not be threatened.

Let’s celebrate this day by promising to support each other while reminiscing on those that led the way!