Advancing Structural Change in STEM and Higher Education
Every year on 11 February, the international community commemorates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The day is not merely symbolic: it represents a global call to action to address persistent gender inequalities in scientific research, innovation ecosystems and STEM education.
Despite significant progress over recent decades, women remain underrepresented in many scientific fields—particularly in engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence and advanced research leadership positions. Structural barriers, implicit bias, unequal access to funding, and the persistence of gender stereotypes continue to shape educational trajectories and professional advancement.
The 11 February observance therefore serves three interconnected purposes:
- Recognition – acknowledging the historical and contemporary contributions of women scientists.
- Visibility – promoting female role models in research and innovation.
- Transformation – encouraging institutions to implement systemic gender-sensitive policies.
Within the framework of the Erasmus+ project GEDIS – Gender Diversity in Information Science: Challenges in Higher Education, this date aligns directly with our mission: integrating gender perspectives into Information Science curricula, fostering inclusive academic environments and promoting evidence-based institutional change.
Below, we present a curated and descriptive overview of relevant initiatives taking place across our partner countries and international frameworks.
Activity Calendar – 2026
Spain
National 11F Programme – Ministry of Science
- When: 1–15 February (with concentrated activities on 11 February).
- Where: Universities, CSIC research centres, public schools nationwide.
- Description: Spain’s national 11F programme coordinates hundreds of decentralised activities, including laboratory open days, school visits by women researchers, science cafés, digital storytelling campaigns and mentoring sessions for female students. The programme explicitly aims to foster early scientific vocations among girls and to challenge gender stereotypes associated with technical and scientific professions. Universities and research institutions publish visibility campaigns showcasing female leadership in research.
- Official link: https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Noticias/2026/febrero/actividades-dia-mujer-nina-ciencia.html
CosmoCaixa Special Programme
- When: 11 February 2026.
- Where: CosmoCaixa Science Museum, Barcelona.
- Description: CosmoCaixa organises thematic exhibitions and interactive workshops highlighting the contributions of women scientists across disciplines. The museum programme combines educational workshops for families, guided laboratory demonstrations and public lectures. The initiative seeks to connect scientific heritage with contemporary innovation, promoting accessible STEM learning environments for girls and young audiences.
- Official link: https://www.barcelona.cat/barcelonacultura/es/recomanem/dia-internacional-nina-mujer-ciencia
Germany
International Day of Women and Girls in Science – Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
- When: 11 February 2026.
- Where: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
- Description: In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin hosts a public event that brings together established and emerging scientists to highlight the essential role of women in STEM and to discuss how equal access and participation can be promoted across all genders. The programme includes keynote talks by leading researchers, interviews with women scientists, and a panel discussion exploring real-world challenges women face in scientific careers, as well as practical strategies for creating inclusive research environments. This event blends scientific insight with broader reflection on gender equality in research institutions.
- Official link: https://www.helmholtz-berlin.de/events/women-girls-in-science-day_en.html
Czech Republic
“From the Lives of Women Scientists”
- When: 11 February 2026 (morning session).
- Where: Ústav organické chemie a biochemie AV ČR (Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences), Prague-Brno region.
- Description: A public event featuring talks by female scientists from different research fields, including chemistry, biology and clinical science. Speakers share insights into their careers, research challenges and personal experiences, fostering a supportive atmosphere and promoting gender diversity in scientific environments. The programme includes short presentations followed by optional lab tours for participants.
- Official link: https://www.iach.cz/cs/verejnost/Ze-zivota-vedkyn/
Croatia
National Awareness Campaign
- When: 11 February 2026.
- Where: Nationwide (Croatia).
- Description: In Croatia, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is widely recognised through national awareness campaigns and media coverage aimed at highlighting the importance of gender equality in STEM fields. The campaign emphasises promoting equal participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and encourages educational institutions, civil society organisations and science communities to engage in activities that break down barriers to female participation in scientific careers. The day’s theme often highlights the role of emerging technologies and interdisciplinary connections to inclusive science systems.
- Official link: https://ravnopravnost.gov.hr/vijesti/medjunarodni-dan-zena-i-djevojaka-u-znanosti/3803
Bosnia
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
- When: 11 February 2026.
- Where: University of Sarajevo.
- Description: The University of Sarajevo traditionally marks the day with academic panels, public discussions and mentoring sessions focused on women’s participation in scientific careers. Faculties of natural sciences, engineering and medicine host talks highlighting the research achievements of female academics and discussing institutional gender equality measures.
- Official link: https://www.unsa.ba/novosti/medunarodni-dan-zena-i-djevojaka-u-nauci-nagrada-za-izuzetna-postignuca-zena-u-nauci
GEDIS Perspective: Beyond Celebration
For GEDIS, 11 February represents more than visibility. It reinforces the need for:
- Gender-sensitive curriculum design in Information Science
- Evidence-based institutional transformation
- Cross-European cooperation in inclusive higher education
- Sustainable mentoring ecosystems
We encourage our partner institutions and stakeholders to actively engage in these initiatives and to share their local activities with the GEDIS network.
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