Women's condition in society and, specifically, in science throughout history

By Diana Cernat

Women have stood out in science just like men throughout history, contributing to some of the most significant discoveries and inventions. Important names, such as Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, Ana Aslan, Lynn Margulis, Margarita Salas, and Mae Jemison prove that women have always been—and wanted to be— as involved as men in scientific and technical developments. They have shown the ability, intelligence, willpower, and creativity to excel in various fields (physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, computer science, engineering, mathematics) and have changed the world through their research. The success of these women is even more significant when we consider gender stereotypes and limiting mentalities throughout history, especially between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The status of women scientists must be understood in the context of the broader status of women in society. 

For a long time, women were seen as "marital goods", with their only societal roles being those of housewives and model mothers. Under the pretext of being protected in marriage and society, women were forbidden from practicing so-called "male" professions, expressing public opinions, or having access to information, which made it much harder for them to integrate into public and professional life. Thus, for a long time, women did not have access to education and were not allowed to have a source of income, and when they were finally allowed, they couldn’t have the privilege of a full salary from which to maintain themselves. The reason why the emancipation of women was delayed, although women have long wanted a change, was the impossibility of real financial independence from their husbands, who kept them trapped in abusive or unequal marriages. The mentality of the beginning of the 20th century that considered women inferior to men (an example of a Romanian intellectual with such a discourse is Titu Maiorescu) was also a barrier to the professional achievement of women, but it was overcome once they began to assert themselves and protested.

The success of the scientists mentioned above and all the women who have followed an academic career is all the more valuable, as they not only have made an undeniable impact on the scientific community, but they have also exceeded the social and cultural barriers imposed by their time. Through their hard work, perseverance, and passion, they have shown that they have an essential role in science and deserve full recognition for their achievements. Moreover, in today’s world, with our evolving mentality, we must continue to build inclusive and accessible environments for women in science. Gender equality is essential to ensure that all talented minds can contribute to science and to humanity as a whole.

As a final note, it is important to look at current statistics. Although women represent almost half of the world's population, they are still underrepresented in the scientific fields. According to the UNESCO Statistics Institute, only 33% of researchers worldwide are women, just 28% of students following global STEM programs are women, and only 4% of the total Nobel Prizes awarded throughout history have gone to women. In Europe, while 41% of doctoral graduates are women, only 24% of university professors are female. These figures show that, although a greater involvement of women in science and an increase in female university graduates can be observed, the fight for gender equality must continue as part of a global development strategy.

References

1. https://www.scritub.com/istorie/Conditia-femeii-in-secolul-XIX1531619915.php

2. https://www.simplonromania.org/2020/03/10/femei-in-domeniul-stiintei-si-tehnologiei/

3. https://e-tineret.md/ziua-internationala-a-femeilor-si-fetelor-in-stiinta-progres-provocari-si-statistici-locale-si-globale/

4. https://ro.postposmo.com/femei-de-%C8%99tiin%C8%9B%C4%83/

5. https://lamineinsuflet.wordpress.com/2024/03/08/femeia-si-rolul-ei-in-stiinta-si-cercetare/