International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026

Universidad de Mendoza Celebrate this International Day, promoted by the United Nations General Assembly (UN), in order to promote greater access and participation of women in the scientific and technological field.

This commemoration takes place every February 11th, and the motto proposed by the United Nations The goal for 2026 is: “Leveraging synergies between artificial intelligence, social sciences and the financial system: building an inclusive future for women and girls.”

In 1975, the UN declared International Women's Year and organized the First World Conference on Women, held in Mexico City. Other milestones in the pursuit of gender equality in this field included the Women in 2010 meeting, focused on promoting gender equality globally. This event was a key precedent for the annual celebration, since 2015, of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed every February 11, with the aim of promoting full and equal access to science.

The United Nations General Assembly established this date as an annual international event to recognize the fundamental role played by women and girls in science and technology.

It is essential to highlight and identify the qualitative factors that discourage women from pursuing degree courses in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), such as gender violence, child marriage, trafficking of women and the wage gap, which directly impact the educational and professional trajectory of girls and women.

Without a doubt, one of today's leading scientists is jennifer doudnaAn American biochemist whose work has transformed modern science. Together with Emmanuelle Charpentier, she developed the CRISPR-Cas9 tool, a gene-editing system that allows for highly precise modification of DNA, among other important contributions made by this renowned professional.

Since its beginnings, the Universidad de Mendoza It has benefited from the valuable work of outstanding scientists, such as Dr. Eng. Cristina Parraga, who, in addition to promoting industry and technology in Mendoza, left countless lessons and a legacy that we must remember and continue.

Likewise, our University extends its warmest greetings to all women researchers at our institution, especially those who are part of the DIUM, Directorate of Investigations of the Universidad de MendozaFurthermore, the role of ETEC, the Technical School of the Universidad de Mendoza, which encourages the participation of secondary school students from an early age in activities such as Ted Talks, regular editions of Science Fairs, Science Camp, Aerospace Technology and Environmental Commitment, among other initiatives.