February 11, 2026: Fondation La main à la pâte celebrates Women in science

February 11 marks the annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science. For the Fondation La main à la pâte, this day is a key moment to reming everyone that science is a tool for empowerment, and that equality is not decreed - it is built form an early age trhough exposure to scientific knowledge, classroom practices, and inspiring role models.

On this day, the Fondation shares the press kit published by the Académie des Sciences, highlighting the essential contributions of women in science, past and present. The kit also recalls a major recognition received by La main à la pâte in October 2025: the Prize from the Senate Delegation for Women's Rights, awarded to the Fondation for three decades of commitment to accessible and empowering science education. As Didier Roux notes: "Equality is not decreed, it is build. As President of La main à la pâte, I am convinced that science is a powerful lever for empowerment."

This day also highlights several initiatives led by members of the La main à la pâte networks, who work closely with local communities to support educators and raise students'awarness of gender equality in science.

In Oise, a Grandvilliers, a project conducted withing a Rural Education Territory provides training for primary and secondary school teachers on gender equality in science educattion. Led by the La main à la pâte Oise-Nogent Centre pilote, this work draws on the Marie Curie Lesson Program an will culminate in a presentation at the end of the school year.

In Auvergne, the Maison pour la scince organizes a training day focused on gender stereotypes in schools and scientific disciplines. This initiative equips teachers with tools to better uderstand and dismantle representations that may hinder girls'access to science.

In Épinal, the projet "Men and Women in Science" invites students from cycles 2 and 3 to discover prominent figures in the history of science, with particular attention to women scientists. Each class completes a module related to an intervention or discovery, leading to a workshop day scheduled for March 27. The project will continue in 2026-2027 with a focus on contemporary young women scientists.

Through these actions, the Fondation La main à la pâte continues its commitment to a shared and inclusive scientific culture, ensuring that every student can find their place in science, regardless of gender.