February 11th—International Day of Women in Science—serves as a reminder that women's contributions to science play a crucial role in solving societal challenges and are an integral part of driving innovation.

While female scientists are no longer a rarity, this day was only officially recognized a decade ago. In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly established the observance to promote greater participation of women in STEM fields and to advocate for equal rights. The goal was also to ensure that scientific advancements reflect the needs of diverse social groups.

According to UNESCO, women make up only 33% of the global scientific community. The gender gap is especially evident in developing countries, where limited infrastructure, cultural and societal beliefs, and financial constraints restrict girls' and women’s access to education. Meanwhile, in Western countries, women are more involved in science, yet they still face gender-related challenges. From a young age, societal stereotypes about differences between boys and girls often discourage girls from pursuing studies in STEM fields.

However, research consistently shows that women’s involvement in science, their diverse perspectives, and their unique experiences contribute to a more innovative and advanced world.

Why Does the Scientific World Need Women?

Dr. Jelena Kabulova, Deputy Director of the VILNIUS TECH Science Directorate, emphasizes that women’s involvement in science brings a broader perspective to problem-solving:

"Women often have different experiences, ways of thinking, and approaches to situations than men. Their inclusion, along with representation from diverse social groups, can drive the generation of new ideas that lead to more innovative solutions. Additionally, if a particular field is dominated by just one group, the products and technologies developed are likely to be designed primarily for that group’s needs."

She gives an example from automotive safety testing: for many years, crash tests were conducted using dummies modeled after the average male body. As a result, female drivers faced a significantly higher risk of severe injuries in accidents. It was only after female engineers became involved in the field that crash test dummies representing female body types were introduced, leading to changes in safety standards that better accounted for women’s anatomy.

A similar situation occurred in medicine. “Heart disease research was historically centered around male symptoms and treatment methods, which didn’t always apply to women. Female scientists recognized that heart disease manifests differently in women and that traditional diagnostic methods weren’t always accurate for them. Thanks to their work, research into women’s heart health expanded, leading to better understanding and more effective treatments.”

The same issue arose with medication dosages. For years, dosage recommendations were based solely on male test subjects, but female scientists highlighted the fact that women’s physiology—including differences in body composition, weight, and metabolism—necessitated different dosing guidelines. Their research led to improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects for women.

Beyond medicine and engineering, female architects and urban planners have introduced a new perspective on city design, considering accessibility for parents with strollers, young children, and individuals with disabilities. They also identified a critical safety issue: many women feel unsafe using public transport or walking through parks at night. As a result, cities have improved street lighting, increased the frequency of public transport routes, and installed emergency call buttons in high-risk areas.

Research shows that teams with women tend to be more creative and effective, as their diverse experiences help generate better solutions and reduce the likelihood of errors. Additionally, female scientists are more likely to focus on pressing global challenges, such as sustainability, climate change, healthcare, and education gaps.

"Ultimately, this is not just about gender equality—women’s inclusion in science is a necessity. When we fail to incorporate diverse perspectives, we lose the opportunity to develop solutions that benefit the widest range of people. Only by integrating different experiences and ideas can we build a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future," concludes Dr. Kabulova.