The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed annually on 11 February, highlights the critical role women and girls play in advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and calls for greater inclusion and equality in these fields.

Women and girls play a vital role in the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Yet globally and in South Africa they remain underrepresented in many scientific and technical fields. From an HR perspective, addressing this gap is not only a matter of equity, but also a strategic business imperative.

Why Women and Girls in Science Matter

Scientific innovation thrives on diverse perspectives. Research consistently shows that teams with gender diversity are more innovative, better at problem-solving, and deliver stronger outcomes. When women and girls are excluded or discouraged from science-related careers, organisations and economies lose valuable talent, creativity, and insight.

Encouraging girls to pursue science from an early age creates a sustainable talent pipeline, while supporting women already in scientific roles helps retain critical skills in the workforce.

Current Statistics: Where Women Are in STEM

  • According to World Economic Forum and UNESCO figures, women’s participation in STEM professions has been slowly increasing over the last decade but remains slow.
  • Data from South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) shows women made up a majority of funded postgraduate students in STEM programmes in recent years e.g.,
    66 % of funded honours students, 62 % of funded master’s students, and 54 % of funded PhD students in 2023 were women. This suggests increasing participation at higher education levels over time.
  • Only about 13 % of graduates leaving tertiary institutions with STEM qualifications are women significantly lower than the global average.

Barriers Women and Girls Still Face

Despite progress, many challenges remain:

  • Gender stereotypes about science being “male-dominated”
  • Limited access to role models and mentors
  • Unconscious bias in recruitment, promotion, and performance evaluation
  • Workplace cultures that do not always support work–life balance
  • Fewer leadership opportunities for women in technical roles

The Role of HR in Driving Change

HR has a key role to play in identifying and dismantling these barriers. Human Resources functions sit at the centre of organisational culture and talent management. HR can actively support women and girls in science by:

  • Inclusive recruitment practices
    Ensuring job descriptions, interview panels, and selection criteria are free from gender bias.
  • Learning and development initiatives
    Offering training, bursaries, internships, and graduate programmes that target women in STEM fields.
  • Mentorship and sponsorship programmes
    Pairing young women and early-career scientists with experienced professionals and leaders.
  • Supportive workplace policies
    Flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and return-to-work programmes help retain women in scientific careers.
  • Clear career pathways
    Transparent promotion criteria and leadership development opportunities encourage women to progress into senior scientific and technical roles.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond the workplace, organisations can partner with schools, universities, and community programmes to inspire girls to see science as a viable and exciting career option. Outreach initiatives, career days, and female role-model visibility all contribute to changing perceptions and building confidence.

As we recognise the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it is important to reflect on the role organisations and HR professionals play in shaping more inclusive scientific ecosystems. Empowering women and girls in science is not only a social responsibility; it is a strategic investment in the future of work. By fostering equality, challenging bias, and supporting talent development, organisations can help ensure that science truly benefits from the brilliance and potential of everyone.

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