The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was observed globally on February 11, 2026, with the UNESCO Headquarters event themed 'From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap'. The UN-designated observance, established in 2015 by the UN General Assembly under resolution A/RES/70/212, aims to promote full and equal access of women and girls to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In India, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) marked the occasion by highlighting the newly launched WIDUSHI programme — Women's Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights and Innovation — an exclusive fellowship for senior women scientists offering monthly fellowships of up to ₹85,000. According to UNESCO data, women represent only 33% of researchers globally; in India this figure is approximately 18%, though there has been notable growth in recent years driven by STEM enrolment in higher education.

India's milestones in women's scientific leadership include ISRO's Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions, where women scientists played pivotal roles, and the appointment of women directors at premier institutions like IITs. In Rajasthan, initiatives like Mission Buniyaad and the Rajasthan Girls' Education Policy focus on bridging STEM gender gaps at the school level, with the state targeting a 50% girl enrolment in science streams by 2028.