On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, held on 11 February, we celebrate and recognise women’s contributions to research and innovation, breaking stereotypes and defeating discrimination against women and girls in science.

Yet, the gender gap in science and technology holds women back. According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, Gender equality index 2020 : key findings for the EU, Publications Office of the European Union, 2021, the EU is facing an unparalleled shortage of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Women represent 52% of the EU population and make up the majority of tertiary graduates, but only 2 out of 5 scientists and engineers are women and 18% are ICT specialists.

Let gender equality be our guiding principle in science and in our society and progress towards all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Discover the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the European Union’s reference programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training of researchers.