Kinkead introduces resolution to recognize International Day of Women and Girls in Science

HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – A resolution to officially recognize Feb. 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science has been introduced by state Rep. Emily Kinkead.

“Celebrating women scientists like Rachel Carson, Marie Curie and Hedy Lamarr is essential to inspiring the next generation of women leaders in STEM,” Kinkead said. “Establishing the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in our state would provide a great opportunity to highlight the significant contributions women have made to the field, which continue to be undermined and ignored. We need to do more to make women and especially young girls feel welcome and included in this field and that’s what this resolution is all about.”

Kinkead, who earned a B.S. in biology at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, said that women only hold about one-third of existing research positions in STEM and that encouraging more diverse viewpoints in science has been proven to greatly expand innovation.

The resolution (H.R. 295) was unanimously reported out of the House Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee on Feb. 5.