Each year, February 11th, is a date that is recognized around the world for a number of different observances. Each of the International Days different observances for February 11th focuses on a different aspect of the world including, but not limited to, issues involving equality, health, and innovation.
In the following sections, I will focus international days that fall on February 11th, and the ways we celebrate these observances.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The most instrumental global observance for February 11th is the International Days of Women and Girls in Science.
Why This Day is Important
The International Days of Women and Girls in Science was founded in 2015 by the United Nations, and its primary focus is to encourage equal opportunities for women and girls in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Currently, even in today’s society, a myriad of challenges that women and girls face in relation to pursuing careers in STEM.
- Social norms discourage girls from pursuing an education in the field of science.
- In a large number of countries, there are virtually no female STEM teachers.
- In the field of scientific research, women are underrepresented.This day motivates governments, schools, and organizations to establish equal opportunities.
The Present Scenario
Global statistics show that:
- Less than one-third of the total researchers in the world are women.
- Women in engineering and technology are significantly fewer.
- Due to societal pressure, many girls abandon STEM.
This is the reason why advocacy for girls in STEM is crucial.
What Everyone Does
February 11 is marked globally with activities such as:
- STEM competitions in schools
- Workshops in girls’ science
- Talks from women scientists
- Campaigns for STEM advocacy on Social Media
These activities help instill the belief in girls that they can become scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Women in Science
This International Days also commemorates the following women scientists:
- Tu Youyou
- Katherine Johnson
- Rosalind Franklin
- Marie Curie
These women changed the world, and more importantly, they changed it for the generations to come.
World Day of the Sick
This day also marks the International Days World Day of the Sick.
Origin of the Day
This day was instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1992.
It has been an annual observance of support to the sick from the time of its inception.
What World Day of the Sick Is About
International Days World Day of the Sick has three main purposes:
- praying for the sick
- supporting the work of sick call chaplains and other health care personnel
- promoting equitable access to health care
These three points are very important to a lot of communities, especially during the World Day of the Sick to show their mercy and love towards other people.
What Happens Globally
As a part of International Days World Day of the Sick, many churches and health care organizations do the following:
- pray
- do charitable works
- visit the sick
- teach about healthy living
They also give blood, volunteer, and give money to health-related charities.
National Inventors Day
The above example does not apply in all cases because National Inventors Day is only a national example. However National Inventors Day is in a form of celebration, even if for one day, on the 11th of February.
Why February 11?
This date is the birthday of one of the most important of all time in the field of invention, and that is Thomas Edison.
Why This Is Important
Progress is credited to innovation. Creating the following is also the work of inventors:
- new forms of technology
- medical devices
- currently used forms of wireless communication
- services of renewable energy
Some inventors in schools are also starting to encourage their students to invent.
Why The Days Are Important
Days of this nature (like 11th February) serve a number of important functions.
- Providing knowledge on the problems of the world.
- Recognizing the problems and challenges that have been resolved.
- Positively motivating people to take action.
World Day of the Sick shows the need for kindness and the ability to care and access health care. International Day of Women and Girls in Science shows the need for the women and girls of the world to be in the STEM fields. These days of observance allow us to remember that we need a balanced and kind world.
Instructions for Participation
You don’t have to do a big organized act to create a change in the world. You can to the following:
- Engage a girl to about the field of science.
- Appreciate a health care worker.
- Thank a health care worker.
- Make a post online to educate others about health care.
- Make a donation to health related charities.
Even a little thing can make a change.
Final Remarks
The international days that fall on the 11th of February are about science, equality, compassion, and innovation. International Day of Women and Girls in Science stresses the importance of equality in the STEM fields. World Day of the Sick shows the importance of caring for the sick.
These observances show the importance of having actions done, and above all, they show the need to support education, health care, and development. Learn About: International Days And National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
