Celebrating the International Day of Women & Girls in Science

On February 11, the world celebrates the International Day of Women & Girls in Science, a day dedicated to recognising the achievements of women in STEM and addressing the barriers they continue to face. Science and technology have shaped the modern world, yet women remain underrepresented in these fields.

Encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers in science isn’t just about fairness – it’s about progress. Research shows that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better[1], yet women make up only 35% of STEM graduates and hold only a quarter of all science, engineering and ICT jobs[2].

This day is an opportunity to celebrate the brilliant work of women scientists, engineers and tech innovators and inspire the next generation to break stereotypes and follow their passion for discovery. To honour the day, we’re shining a light on some of the many remarkable women scientists from the countries where we operate. But first, let’s take a look at how it all began.   

History of the International Day of Women & Girls in Science 

For centuries, women have been making groundbreaking contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and yet they have often been overlooked or faced systemic barriers in these fields. To address these issues, recognise their vital role in STEM and push for greater gender equality, in 2015, the United Nations established the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 

Since its inception, this day has gained momentum worldwide. Governments, educational institutions and scientific organisations mark the day with conferences, workshops and awareness campaigns aimed at empowering women in STEM. Each year, new themes and discussions highlight the challenges and achievements of women scientists, reinforcing the importance of diversity and innovation in scientific progress. Yet, in 2025, as we mark its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of progress, we must acknowledge the barriers still exist.

Despite groundbreaking contributions from women in science, technology and engineering, they continue to face challenges – from unconscious gender bias to unequal access to funding and leadership roles. This day is a reminder that talent knows no gender, and by empowering women in STEM, we drive innovation and create a more inclusive future. 

Noble female scientists from Ukraine 

Ukraine has been home to many brilliant women who have made significant contributions to science. While there are countless inspiring figures, we are highlighting four remarkable scientists whose groundbreaking work has left a lasting impact on their respective fields. 

• Valentyna Radzymovska (1886 – 1953):  A pioneering biophysicist whose research on cell physiology and radiation effects laid the groundwork for advancements in medical and biological sciences. Her work was instrumental in understanding how radiation affects living tissues, paving the way for improvements in medical treatments and safety protocols. Radzymovska was also a passionate advocate for science education, inspiring future generations of researchers.
• Nina Morozhenko (1928 – 2009): She was a Ukrainian astronomer and heliophysicist who studied the structure and properties of solar prominences. She worked at the Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and made significant contributions to spectrophotometric studies of the Sun. Her research provided a deeper understanding of plasma processes in quiescent prominences. She authored over 50 scientific publications, including a monograph on spectrophotometry of prominences.
• Nina Virchenko (born 1930): Nina Virchenko is a prominent mathematician and professor who made significant contributions to differential equations and mathematical physics, mentoring generations of Ukrainian scientists. She authored numerous scientific papers and textbooks, helping to advance mathematical education in Ukraine. Throughout her career, she advocated for women in STEM and worked tirelessly to create equal opportunities for female researchers.
• Maryna Viazovska (born 1984): Maryna is a renowned mathematician who solved the sphere-packing problem in eight dimensions, earning the prestigious Fields Medal in 2022, making her the second woman ever to receive this honour. Her work builds upon centuries of mathematical research and provides insights into optimisation problems with applications in coding theory and data transmission. Viazovska’s achievements have placed Ukraine at the forefront of modern mathematics, inspiring a new generation of female mathematicians and scientists globally.

Noble female scientists from Poland

Poland has a rich legacy of scientific achievement, with many outstanding women making significant strides in their respective fields. Their innovations in physics, chemistry, medicine and mathematics have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also paved the way for future generations. Here, we spotlight four influential Polish scientists whose groundbreaking work continues to inspire and shape the world of STEM.

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie (1867 – 1934): A two-time Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist, known for her discoveries of polonium and radium, as well as her groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Her work revolutionised medicine and physics, leading to advancements in cancer treatment and nuclear energy. Despite facing numerous barriers as a woman in science, she became the first female professor at the University of Paris and remains one of the most influential scientists in history.
• Stefania Jabłońska (1920 – 2017): A dermatologist whose research on the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and skin cancer contributed to the development of modern treatments and vaccines. She was a pioneer in dermatopathology, significantly advancing the understanding of skin diseases. Jabłońska’s work laid the foundation for one of the most significant medical breakthroughs - the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer.
• Magdalena Fikus (born 1936): She is a molecular biologist and science communicator who played a key role in making science accessible to the public through education and outreach initiatives. She has dedicated her career to promoting scientific literacy, organising public lectures and writing extensively about biotechnology and genetics. Fikus’ work has helped bridge the gap between the scientific community and society, making complex topics understandable to a wider audience.
• Maria Siemionow (born 1950): Maria is a surgeon and transplant specialist renowned for performing the first near-total face transplant in the United States, advancing reconstructive surgery. Her groundbreaking operation changed the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, giving hope to patients with severe facial injuries. Siemionow has received numerous international awards and continues to lead research in tissue transplantation.

Noble female scientists from Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s scientific landscape has been shaped by the remarkable achievements of women who have pushed the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Excelling in fields such as medicine, physics, engineering and biology, these pioneers have left a lasting legacy. Below, we celebrate four outstanding Bulgarian scientists whose contributions continue to inspire future generations.

• Elizaveta Karamihailova (1897 – 1968): Elizaveta Karamihailova was a pioneering Bulgarian nuclear physicist whose research played a crucial role in early nuclear science. She was the first woman in Bulgaria to earn a professorship in physics and made significant contributions to the study of radioactivity. One of her most remarkable achievements was her research on a previously unknown type of radiation emitted from polonium – later recognised as neutron radiation – providing key experimental evidence that paved the way for James Chadwick’s discovery of the neutron. In Bulgaria, Karamihailova founded the first experimental nuclear physics laboratory in the country, fostering research in radioactivity.
• Srebra Rodopska (1913 – 2006): Srebra Rodopska was a pioneering Bulgarian microbiologist who developed Bulgaria’s first BCG vaccine against tuberculosis. She introduced the BCG strain to Bulgaria and after intense experimental work, began a large-scale production of the vaccine. Under her leadership, a national tuberculosis immunisation programme was launched in 1951, significantly reducing infection rates. Her contributions helped shape immunisation programmes in other countries, and her research influenced global approaches to tuberculosis prevention. Through her scientific achievements and international collaborations, she left a lasting impact on public health worldwide.
• Violeta Ivanova (birth year not disclosed): Violeta Ivanova is a prominent Bulgarian astronomer known for her significant contributions to asteroid discovery. Between 1984 and 1988, she co-discovered 12 asteroids, including Atanasov, Plovdiv and Kliment Ohridski, alongside her colleagues at the Institute of Astronomy of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Under her leadership, over 100 small planets were discovered. In recognition of her achievements, asteroid 4365 was named after her – “Ivanova”.
• Maria Spasova (born 1979): Maria Spasova is a Bulgarian chemist renowned for her work in biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. She played a key role in developing nanofibers and nanoparticles for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and wound healing. An important milestone in her career was constructing Bulgaria’s first electrospinning apparatus for producing nanofibers. In 2004, Spasova became one of the first scientists to successfully electrospin chitosan, a natural polymer with medical potential. Her contributions to polymer science earned her international recognition from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

Looking ahead: a future shaped by women in STEM 

The future of STEM innovation depends on increasing the participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Despite the progress made, there’s still significant underrepresentation in fields such as AI, engineering and physics. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach, including education, mentorship programmes, workplace policies and media representation.

• Education & mentorship programmes: Encouraging young girls to pursue STEM careers starts with early exposure to science and technology. Initiatives such as coding boot camps for girls, STEM outreach programs in schools and targeted scholarships can help create opportunities and inspire confidence. Additionally, mentorship programmes connecting aspiring scientists with established female leaders in STEM are essential in providing guidance, support and motivation.
• Workplace policies: Beyond education, industry-wide efforts are needed to create an environment where women not only enter STEM fields but thrive as leaders and innovators. Companies must implement inclusive hiring practices, equal pay policies, leadership training initiatives and flexible work arrangements to retain top female talent. At Pwrteams, we recognise the importance of fostering diversity and creating an inclusive environment where women in technology can thrive and inspire the next generation of innovators. 
• Representation & visibility: A key factor in closing the gender gap is increasing media representation of women in STEM. Highlighting role models such as Nobel laureates, astronauts, tech entrepreneurs and engineers helps break stereotypes and encourages young girls to see themselves in these fields. By celebrating the achievements of women in science and technology, we reinforce the message that STEM is for everyone.
•  A collective effort for a brighter future: When we empower women in STEM, we drive innovation, fuel progress and create a brighter future for everyone. Governments, educational institutions and the private sector must work together to remove barriers, promote gender equality and foster an inclusive scientific community. By actively investing in education, policy reforms and industry partnerships, we can ensure that the next generation of women in STEM will not only participate but lead the way in shaping the world of tomorrow.

[1] Diversity Wins Report 2020 by McKinsey & Company 
[2]  UNESCO. 2024. Global Education Monitoring Report: Gender report – Technology on her terms.

Feeling inspired? Here are some remarkable examples of Women in Tech at Pwrteams.