Since 1911, people all over the world have celebrated women’s social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments on International Women’s Day (March 8). 

The theme of International Women’s Day 2021 is “Choose To Challenge.” The goal is to call out inequality and gender bias.  

“A challenged world is an alert world,” states the campaign on its website. “And from challenge comes change. So let’s all #ChooseToChallenge.” 

While many women have made history in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), they don’t always get credit for it. What’s more, only 28% of women work in STEM. A big goal of International Women’s Day is to get more young women in STEM. Take a look at IWD’s tech missions to learn more. 

Join an Event!

Want to get involved in some cool tech events this International Women’s Day? Check out these free online events:

  • On March 15-16, Google will celebrate International Women’s Day through a virtual event series for students. The series will include workshops, speakers, and networking opportunities with students from across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. (Recordings will also be available after the event). Register by March 7.
  • On March 6, Stony Brook University will host a virtual “Girl Power in STEM: Choose to Challenge” event from 9:30 am to 2pm. The event will examine the accomplishments of women in STEM and how to boost the number of women in these fields. 
  • On March 8, Carnegie Mellon University’s iLab, Integrated Innovation Institute, and Deloitte AI Institute will offer a virtual panel featuring prominent women in tech who will discuss the importance of women in artificial intelligence. The conversation will focus on how to get more women in AI, as well as how to decrease bias against women in the field.
  • On March 8, the California Institute of Technology will host a virtual International Women’s Day Speak Out, an open mic for students at Caltech to speak up for women in STEM.

Learn more about Girls in STEM by exploring IEEE TryEngineering.