Wednesday 11-02-2026 - 16:59

Wednesday, 11 February 2026, marks the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. As we embark on a Global Day of Recognition, it feels fitting to spend time reflecting on the current status of women and girls in science, but also celebrating our student leaders and more explicitly discussing how ‘we’ have the power to co-create our education and what that can mean for the future of science.

It does not seem coincidental that UNESCO declared an International Day of Women and Girls in Science just 18 days after the International Day of Education is celebrated on the 24 of January.  Following discussions exploring ‘The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education’, today, we celebrate under the theme of ‘Synergizing of AI, social sciences, STEM and finance’ to truly explore how through science, we, yes, we, can build inclusive futures for Women and Girls.

Despite continuous pressure for progress, there remains an apparent and persistent gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), resulting in the underrepresentation of women and girls in these fields. According to census reporting conducted on the current Durham Cohort, there remains a significant male dominance within the faculty of science; most significantly sitting within the mathematics, computer science, engineering and physics departments. The current imbalance in STEM is deep routed in our societal norms and nourished by our education systems. This is why it is paramount that we continue to uplift our future female leaders and continue to recognise and celebrate global initiatives such as International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

When asked for comment on what this day means to her, Faculty President for Science, Cristina Taruella, said:

“To me, women are and have been the breakthrough of science. Women have always been the purest showcase of science; we have lived doing experiments without any laboratory equipment needed. There is no biology more complicated, more fluctual than that of the women. Our strength comes not only from battling against the outside, dictating whether women were allowed to pursue a career in sciences, our battles exist too within ourselves. Our hormones, our bodies, our minds exist in a flexible state, never stopping, never static.  To allow us to put our brilliant mind and our strengths to this field is something that should not be celebrated as an achievement but should be celebrated as a turning point in history where society has finally evolved to understand and comprehend that women are of knowledge. To understand is to have power and I am so proud to be a woman in love with my studies, in love with biology and in love with living”

Following on from this year's International Day of Education, UNESCO has intentionally created a clear overlap in its theming, not only to make us recognise and celebrate, but also to kickstart discussions and spark initiatives.  Empowering women and girls in science is not only about educational access and attainment gaps; it is a continuous push for societal recognition as composers of knowledge, pioneers of practice, and researchers of our future.

“Supporting student groups that champion women and girls in science and social science is essential for building a more equitable, innovative, and research‑driven future. These groups help break down barriers to scientific participation, create welcoming and inclusive learning environments, and offer mentorship that strengthens confidence, skills, and belonging in fields where women remain underrepresented. We also love to see our women’s groups working together- collaborating across disciplines, sharing expertise, and lifting one another up.  Collective empowerment accelerates discovery and strengthens scientific communities, and together, we’re helping ensure that future generations of women scientists have the support, visibility, and opportunity they need to drive discovery forward” – Claire Marshall, Faculty Coordinator for Social Science & Abby Lewis, Faculty Coordinator for Science.

Here at Durham Students’ Union, we work diligently to support women and girls in science not only as students, but as agents of influence. Through student‑led societies, campaigns, and representation, we actively challenge stagnation in gender gaps among our cohorts and continue to work to break down barriers to entering the field for both our current and prospective students.

Javis Lee, is one of our students who is actively working on this as your Faculty President for Social Sciences. When asked, Javis spoke highly of her position:

“As we celebrate the progress with gender equality in the STEM field, I would also like to use this opportunity to express my pride in being a member of a student union here at Durham University that is primarily led by a group of amazing, ambitious and inspiring young women. From the wider staff structure of the SU to the part-time and full-time officers sitting on the Education Executive board, may we continue to champion women in leadership across all sectors and ages!”

 We recognise that changes in cohort gapping truly rely on active student voice, and as a union, we provide space and champion these voices, encouraging students to share their ideas and shape the future of their own education.

As your Students' Union Education Officer, my most valued part of my role is that I have the opportunity to work closely with our students and future leaders on student voice initiatives during my time in office. It is an absolute privilege not only to celebrate this international day with you all, but also to be in a position where I can continuously celebrate student successes and advocate for student agency and educational change.

I will always have time to hear and champion student voices- please reach out to me!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science to all those who celebrate.
 

Ellie Dinsdale

Education Officer

Instagram: durhamsu.education

Email: su.education@durham.ac.uk