A brief history of the forgotten women in STEM

Written By: Dwip Brahma, Arka Sikder

Edited By : Shreyoshi De

Poster By : Nahir Md Nishad

Science has the power to shape our world, and women and girls have the power to shape science. On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed on the 11th of February every year, we celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions made by women and girls in the field of science and reflect on the importance of empowering and supporting them in the future.

The contribution of women and girls in science is a story of triumph and progress. Despite facing significant barriers and challenges, women have been making groundbreaking contributions to the field for centuries. From Marie Curie, who was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different fields, to Dr. Indira Hinduja, who pioneered the Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer(GIFT) technique resulting in the birth of India's first GIFT baby, women have made invaluable contributions to the scientific community.

Courtesy:Medium

One such trailblazing woman in the field of science is Ada Lovelace. Lovelace was an English mathematician and writer who is credited as being the world's first computer programmer. She worked closely with mathematician Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, a mechanical general-purpose computer, and it was Lovelace who recognized the potential for the machine to be used for purposes beyond calculation. Her notes on the Analytical Engine, which were published in 1843, contained the first published algorithm intended to be processed by a machine, and her vision for the potential of computers to create music, graphics, and other forms of artistic expression made her a pioneer in the field of computer science. Today, Lovelace is celebrated as a visionary and a hero for women in technology and STEM fields, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of women to pursue careers in these fields.

Courtesy: Global Citizen

However, contributions of women in science have largely been overlooked and ignored by history. Take Rosalind Franklin for example,whose work was instrumental in the discovery of the structure of DNA. Franklin's work on X-ray diffraction patterns of DNA fibers was instrumental in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, which revolutionized our understanding of genetics and paved the way for many advances in the field of molecular biology. However, she was not honored while her colleague Maurice Wilkins received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, jointly with Francis Creek and James Watson, for their 1953 determination of the structure of DNA. Despite this, her dedication and attention to detail in her research have earned her a place in the history of science, and her legacy continues to inspire and influence the next generation of scientists, particularly women, to pursue careers in the field.

Franklin wasn’t the only one who was deprived of the honor and recognition she deserved. British astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered the first radio pulsars when she was a postgraduate student in 1967, paving the way for the thesis supervisor and another male astronomer to win 1974's Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery. Austrian-Swedish physicist Lise Meitner was one of the key people responsible for discovering nuclear fission, leading to Albert Einstein dubbing her the "German Marie Curie".However, it was her long-term collaborator Otto Hahn who won the 1944 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery. Chinese-American physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, also nicknamed the ‘Chinese Madam Curie’, worked on the Manhattan Project and conducted the "Wu experiment", which overturned what had been previously considered a fundamental law of nature—the conservation of parity; but it was her male colleagues who won the 1975 Nobel Physics prize for the research.

Courtesy: Global Citizen

Despite the progress that has been made in recent decades, there is still a long way to go in terms of gender equality in science. Women and girls continue to face obstacles and biases in their scientific pursuits, from lack of access to education and resources, to workplace discrimination and the persistent patriarchal stereotype about science.

One great example is the forgotten, frustrated career of Hedy Lamarr as a wartime inventor. Lamarr was an Austrian-American actress and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of technology. She was a pioneer in the field of wireless communication, and filed a patent in 1942 for a frequency hopping device that used spread spectrum technology, which became the foundation for modern wireless communication systems like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Hobbled by the misogyny of her era, she was dismissed as an inventor; however her contributions to technology helped to break down barriers for women in the field and inspired future generations of women and girls to pursue careers in science and technology.

Courtesy : Hollywood Reporter

Aside from her contributions to technology, Hedy Lamar was also known for her activism and advocacy for women's rights. Throughout her life, she used her fame and platform to speak out against discrimination and prejudice and to encourage other women to pursue their passions and careers, regardless of gender. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women and girls in science and technology, as well as in other fields, and serves as a reminder of the critical role that women play in shaping the future. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to honor Lamar's achievements and to celebrate the achievements of all women and girls who are making a difference in science and technology. By recognizing their contributions, we can help to create a more inclusive and diverse future for all.

Despite the many challenges they face, women and girls continue to make their mark in science. From pioneering astronauts to groundbreaking researchers, they have been at the forefront of some of the most exciting and important developments in recent history. And they are continuing to make waves in fields as diverse as physics, biology, computer science, and beyond.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to celebrate and amplify the successes of women in science, recognizing their critical role in advancing our understanding of the world and solving its most pressing problems. By highlighting the contributions of female scientists, we can help to inspire future generations of women and girls to pursue careers in science and contribute to its continued growth and development.

Courtesy : United Nations

International Day of Women and Girls in Science provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made and recognize the efforts of those working towards greater gender equality in science. This includes organizations, governments, academic institutions, and individuals who are committed to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for women and girls in science.

Celebrating International Women's Day in the field of science is more than just a recognition of their achievements, it's a rallying cry for a brighter, more inclusive future.