International Women in Mathematics Day (Maryam Mirzakhani's birthday), observed on May 12, celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in mathematics. This day was officially added to the Gregorian calendar in 2019 to coincide with the birthday of Maryam Mirzakhani, the renowned Iranian mathematician and the first woman to receive the Fields Medal. The initiative was taken by a group of mathematicians and international scientific organizations to highlight the vital role of women in advancing mathematical sciences and to recognize their accomplishments. Maryam Mirzakhani became the first woman and the first Iranian to be awarded the Fields Medal in 2014, the highest honor in mathematics. Her groundbreaking work in geometry and dynamical systems had a profound impact and inspired countless women and girls around the world to pursue mathematics. Dedicating this day to her memory aims to honor her legacy and encourage greater participation of women in mathematics. On this day, universities, scientific societies, and educational institutions across various countries organize events such as lectures, workshops, and panel discussions to showcase the role of women in mathematics and to foster opportunities for networking and academic collaboration. The observance serves as an opportunity to raise public awareness about the challenges and successes of women in the field of mathematics.
