On February 11, the UN celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to recognize their potential in this field, and also to promote greater access to educational and professional opportunities for them.
Throughout history, many women have demonstrated great talent for the sciences, but have often been overlooked or underestimated. Women who have had to fight for recognition and respect within a male-dominated scientific community. Yet these women were undeterred and achieved great things.
“We cannot let the limited perceptions of others end up defining us” – Virginia Satir.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND IN THE WORLD.
According to a Pew Research Center report, only 29% of professionals in science and engineering fields are women.
This gender gap has remained constant since 2000. However, despite these difficulties, there are many women who have forged great careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we would like to highlight 5 women who have made and are making a remarkable impact on the scientific world and society at large.
Ada Lovelace (United Kingdom, 1815-1852): she was a visionary and pioneer in computer science. She was the first programmer who revolutionized science with her mathematical knowledge by devising the first computer program, which today is known as the first algorithm designed to be processed by a machine. Ada recognized that these machines could do much more than perform mathematical calculations; she believed they could be used to create all kinds of works of art and literature. This vision earned her the nickname “the lady of numbers.”
Marie Curie Sklodowska (Poland, 1867-1934): she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and also the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. Her scientific work led to the discovery of ways to fight cancer.
Rosalind Else Franklin (United Kingdom, 1920-1958): was a British scientist who specialized in the study of viruses and contributed significantly to the discovery of the structure of DNA. Although her work was fundamental, she received very little recognition during her lifetime. However, after her death, she was considered one of the most important scientists of the 20th century.
Margarita Salas Falgueras (Spain, 1938-2019): she was a pioneer in science and one of the first women to work as a researcher in the field of astrophysics and who boosted the female presence in Spanish scientific research. Her great discovery was a technique to amplify DNA from small organic samples, forever changing the future of genetics. This opened the door to many advances, leading to DNA testing in forensic medicine, oncology and archeology. With this simple but effective technique, he discovered a new world of possibilities.
Dra. María Blasco: is a brilliant scientist and world leader in the field of aging research.
According to Time Magazine, María Blasco is one of the most influential scientists in the world. And no wonder, since Dr. Blasco is the director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO) in Madrid, Spain. Thanks to her work in the field of oncology, she has helped save thousands of lives and has transformed the way cancer is fought.
Countless women have made history through their intelligence, perseverance and passion. We want to celebrate all the women of the world who have opened many doors for those who want to fulfill their dreams with their unstoppable strength.
May their legacies inspire children to follow their dreams and innovate in any field.
