International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Every 11 February, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated, recognising the pivotal role that women play in scientific and technological communities and promoting equal access to education, training, and research opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This year, 2026, the theme is “Harnessing synergies between artificial intelligence, social sciences, STEM, and the financial system: building an inclusive future for women and girls”. It emphasises the potential of emerging technologies to advance gender equity and highlights the importance of evidence-based knowledge in shaping inclusive societies.
Today, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are integral to our lives. When employed responsibly, they offer significant benefits, enabling greater access to knowledge and scientific evidence. However, not all information is based on scientific evidence, or on scientific evidence with social impact, which is the one that has demonstrably improved people’s lives. It is precisely this type of science that we need in order to, as this year’s theme states, “build an inclusive future for women and girls.”
A compelling example is the Sappho Platform, a participatory digital space arised from the H2020 ALLINTERACT project, “Widening and diversifying citizen engagement in science”. Through the platform, individuals from diverse backgrounds, including academics, feminist researchers, citizens and society organisations, can debate whether a statement is based on scientific evidence or is a hoax, contributing evidence validated by the international scientific community or reflections from personal experience to support their arguments. This approach ensures that research on gender is not confined to academic circles but is accessible and relevant to the wider society, enhancing co-creation and social impact.
It has already been scientifically demonstrated that both academics and non-academics can contribute meaningfully to science through Sappho Platform, finding improvements in scientific literacy, richer conversations about evidence, and the application of scientific knowledge in personal and professional contexts. The platform thereby enables users to engage critically with gender issues, highlighting its potential as a transformative tool for promoting scientific evidence on gener issues and decision-making.
Named after the pioneering advocate for gender equality who founded the first known school for girls, the Sappho Platform continues her legacy. By bridging the gap between scientific research and societal engagement, Sappho exemplifies how technology and AI can advance equity, challenge misinformation, and support a more inclusive future for women and girls in science.
Predoctoral researcher at the University of Barcelona