International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025 Infographic

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed annually on February 11, is a global reminder of the importance of gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This day celebrates the achievements of women and girls in science while emphasizing the need to address the persistent challenges that hinder their participation.

In this article, we’ll explore the critical role of women and girls in STEM and illustrate key statistics in an interactive infographic, created with Infogram, a powerful data visualization tool.

Women in STEM: Progress and challenges

Women have made groundbreaking contributions to STEM fields throughout history, from Marie Curie’s pioneering work in radioactivity to Katherine Johnson’s critical calculations for NASA missions. Yet, these contributions often go unrecognized, overshadowed by systemic barriers that limit women’s participation in STEM careers. While progress has been made, significant challenges remain:

Underrepresentation

The STEM workforce continues to deal with significant gender disparities, as women remain underrepresented, particularly in areas like engineering and computer science. This lack of representation perpetuates a cycle where young girls have fewer visible role models in these fields, discouraging them from pursuing similar paths. 

Pay gaps

Despite holding the same qualifications and positions as their male counterparts, women often receive lower compensation. This inequity diminishes morale, creates financial inequalities, and sends an implicit message that the contributions of women are undervalued. Such gaps highlight the need for systemic change to ensure workplaces are equitable and inclusive, offering fair rewards for equal effort and expertise.

Retention issues

Women often face workplace biases, lack of mentorship, and challenges in work-life balance, leading to higher attrition rates in STEM careers compared to men. These challenges can create a sense of isolation and diminish opportunities for professional growth, making it harder for women to envision long-term careers in STEM. Organizations must actively address these barriers by fostering inclusive cultures, offering flexible policies, and providing robust support systems to ensure women feel valued and supported at every stage of their careers.

The need to close the representation and pay gaps

The gender gap in STEM is not just a matter of equity but also represents a significant loss of potential innovation, creativity, and economic growth. Research consistently demonstrates that diverse teams bring varied perspectives, which lead to more innovative solutions, better decision-making, and improved business outcomes. Despite these benefits, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, and the pay gap persists even for those who successfully enter the industry. Closing these gaps requires a multifaceted and sustained effort across educational, corporate, and policy levels:

• Encouraging girls to pursue STEM studies through targeted programs and role models.
• Creating equitable hiring, retention, and promotion policies.
• Addressing unconscious bias in educational institutions and workplaces.
• Providing mentorship and professional development opportunities for women in STEM.

Closing the representation and pay gaps is more than a moral imperative; it’s a necessary step to drive the full potential of innovation and excellence in STEM. By addressing these challenges head-on, we not only empower women but also unlock opportunities for entire industries to thrive.

Women and girls in STEM infographic

An effective way to convey the urgency of gender equality in STEM is through compelling data. Below is an infographic, created using Infogram to highlight critical statistics.

Using Infogram to create powerful visual stories

Infographics are a powerful tool to present complex data in an engaging and digestible format. Infogram, a leading data visualization platform, allows you to create stunning, interactive infographics to amplify awareness about critical topics like the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

With Infogram, you can:

• Choose from customizable templates for a professional finish.
• Integrate interactive charts, graphs, and maps to make your data stand out.
• Share infographics across platforms to reach a wider audience.

Whether you’re advocating for gender equality in STEM or celebrating another important cause, Infogram simplifies the process of turning data into actionable insights.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science: A call to action

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is not just a celebration but also a call to action. By recognizing the achievements of women in STEM and addressing the barriers they face, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.

Here, Infogram can help us tell these stories with clarity and impact. Let’s use them to inspire change, honor contributions, and ensure that the future of science is one where everyone can thrive.

For more information on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, visit a dedicated United Nation’s page.