Reach for the stars! Expo celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and harnessing the UAE’s innovative, progressive spirit just days after the Hope Probe reached Mars’s orbit, Expo 2020 is teaming up with local and global entities to promote gender equality in science.

Expo 2020 Dubai has joined forces with the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to commit to promoting female participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The announcement follows the success of the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission, which is led by a woman, with women also comprising 80 per cent of its scientific team.

Expo 2020 Dubai will highlight the importance of women and girls in science, celebrating leading women in the field, forging new partnerships and boosting opportunities for their participation via a diverse programme that aims to reduce gender imbalance.

In addition to the day itself, celebrated annually on 11 February, the programme will include Expo Space Week, held in association with the UAE Space Agency. The week will gather female voices to look at the role of women in the sustainable exploration and commercialisation of space, and how space reflects the ambition of the UAE as a nation.

Expo 2020 will also spotlight women from across the planet who have challenged gender stereotypes, whose innovations and commitment to science and technology are not only solving some our greatest challenges, but are also breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations.