The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is commemorated annually on 11 February, highlighting the critical role women and girls play in STEM (STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and the urgent need to address the gender gap in these fields. The 2025 theme, “Equity in Science for a Sustainable Future,” underscores the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for women and girls to actively contribute to solving pressing global challenges like climate change, health crises, and environmental sustainability. Despite making up nearly half of the global population, women remain underrepresented in STEM, with only about 30% of researchers worldwide being women. This day calls for breaking down systemic barriers such as stereotypes, biases, and limited access to education, especially in underserved communities. By empowering women and girls to engage in science equitably, we unlock their potential to drive innovative solutions for a sustainable future, ensuring a more diverse and inclusive global scientific community.

In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) proudly highlights the achievements of female scientists and promising young women shaping the future of STEM. The NSTF celebrates physicist, Prof Igle Gledhill, who has been a steadfast advocate for gender equality in science. She won the inaugural Science Diplomacy for Africa Award at the prestigious 2024 NSTF-South32 Awards, known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa (SA).