Discuss doing science as a woman It's a glimpse into a fascinating history, yet one filled with silences. Throughout the centuries, women have observed the sky, prepared remedies, formulated theories, and led top-tier scientific projects, but often their names went unrecorded or their contributions were minimized. Today we know that science simply cannot be understood without them, although many barriers still remain to be overcome.
In the last decades, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11) has served as a platform to reclaim historical memory, highlight current female researchers, and demand genuine equality. It's not enough to have more girls interested in physics or biology: they need to be able to advance in their careers without glass ceilings, without bias, and with institutional support. And, above all, their stories need to be told accurately.
Ancient roots: women who did science before it was called that
If we look at Mesoamerican societies, we find a much richer participation of women in what we would now call scientific knowledge than is usually reflected in textbooks. Among the Nahua peoples, there were the ticitl and the tepahtianiThese women, specialists in body care and health, combined herbalism, clinical observation, and ritual practices. They possessed in-depth knowledge of medicinal plants, empirically recording what worked and what didn't, and attended to births and illnesses with an expertise that today we would associate with traditional medicine and pharmacology.
In Mayan cultures, the main figures were the ajkŹ¼ij, priestesses guardians of the calendarTheir work went far beyond the religious: they carried out a applied astronomyThey followed solar and lunar cycles with remarkable precision to organize ceremonies, births, and healing practices. By observing patterns of disease occurrence according to the time of year, they developed a kind of ritualized epidemiology. Furthermore, they paid attention to rainfall, droughts, and environmental changes, which amounted to a practical meteorology very useful for planning planting and anticipating impacts on the community's health.
The big problem is that, despite the importance of this activity, We have preserved almost no proper names. of these women. The colonial sources that have survived to this dayāsuch as the Florentine Codex or the chronicles of Fray Bernardino de SahagĆŗnādescribe in detail the tasks, techniques, and specializations of these female figures, but treat them as an anonymous collective. The knowledge they produced was considered domestic or ritual, not rational or āscientificā according to the criteria of the colonial era, and this contributed to their invisibility.
That bias is significant: by not recognizing them as individual authors, their intellectual agency was erased and their knowledge relegated to a secondary plane. Recovering that today early presence of women in science It is not just a symbolic gesture, but a reminder that science was never exclusively male, however much official narratives have presented it that way for centuries.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Why it matters
Since 2015, the United Nations General Assembly has celebrated the [Day of the Day of the World] every February 11th. International Day of Women and Girls in ScienceThis date was created with a very clear dual purpose: on the one hand, to recognize the past and present contributions of women scientists; on the other, to actively promote gender equality in all areas related to research and technology.
This day serves as a reminder that science is made by a very diverse group of people, and that if we only listen to the voices of one part of the population, we are missing out on talent, perspectives, and solutions. At the same time, it aims to be a boost for new generationsGirls and teenagers who may be considering studying mathematics, engineering, biomedicine or any branch of science, but still receive contradictory messages about whether that is "their" place.
Recent data illustrates both positive and negative aspects. The report āWomen in Science in Figures 2023ā The Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation reports that women now make up 42% of the country's research staff, a remarkable percentage that reflects significant progress in recent decades. However, when we look at the business sector, only 31% of research positions are held by women, and management and leadership positions remain predominantly in the hands of men.
All of this shows that it is not enough to have more women within the system: we must guarantee that they can access to positions of greater responsibility and that they don't get stuck at intermediate stages. In that sense, February 11th is a symbolic date to assess progress, identify obstacles, and renew the commitment to active policies of equality.
Women who changed recent science: essential role models
In the 21st century, we have incredibly powerful female role models who have transformed entire fields of knowledge. Two of them, Jane Goodall and Julieta FierroThey have become true icons both for their scientific work and for their work in disseminating and defending equality.
Jane Goodall, a British ethologist, revolutionized our understanding of animal behavior with her research on chimpanzees. By patiently observing their daily lives, she demonstrated that they, too, use tools, something long considered an exclusive characteristic of humans. With this discovery, she shattered one of the most entrenched myths of modern science and opened a profound debate about What does it mean to be human?, how we define intelligence and how we relate to other species.
In addition to her discoveries, Goodall was known for her activism in favor of nature conservation and animal welfare. She often recalled that Every daily action leaves a trace. And that we must decide what kind of impact we want to have on the world. Her example demonstrates that doing science as a woman can also mean leading global movements and generating profound social change.
For her part, the Mexican astronomer Julieta Fierro She was one of the great science communicators in the Spanish language. A teacher, researcher, and tireless communicator, she dedicated a large part of her career to bringing astronomy and physics closer to very different audiences: primary school students, senior citizens, rural communities, radio listeners, television viewersā¦ Her clear and enthusiastic way of explaining complex concepts made her a much-loved figure.
Fierro firmly defended the creation of spaces for women in science In Mexico, she often emphasized that science is both a way of understanding nature and an acknowledgment that we do not possess absolute truths. According to her, engaging with science makes us freer and happier because it teaches us to question, to doubt critically, and to enjoy knowledge.
Current inequalities in scientific careers
The fact that we can talk about so many female role models today doesn't mean that equality has been achieved. The figures reveal a persistent gap in the presence of women as one climbs the academic and professional ladder. This occurs in many countries and fields, from universities to research centers and technology companies.
In Mexico, for example, the data from the Mexican Academy of Sciences These figures show that only 16,72% of students in the Exact Sciences are women. This group includes disciplines such as physics, astronomy, and mathematics, areas that still carry a strong "men's field" label. In Natural Sciencesāmedicine, biology, and related fieldsāfemale representation rises to 34,14%, and it is in the Humanities where it reaches a level close to 50%.
These differences indicate that gender stereotypes continue to influence academic and professional decisions. It is no coincidence that where success is associated with logic, abstraction, or technology, there are also fewer women presentWhile in fields perceived as "caring" or "more humanistic," the proportion is higher. And yet, even in fields where women are numerous, their advancement to top positions is slower.
A similar pattern can be seen in Mexico's National System of Researchers (SNII): in 2018, women made up 37% of the total; by 2024, this percentage had risen to 40%, indicating progress. However, if we look at different levels, the picture changes: in initial categories (Candidacy and Level I) parity is almost achieved, but as you move to Level II, Level III and Emeritus, the female presence gradually decreases.
In other words, women enter the system, but it is much more difficult for them. reach the domeThis phenomenon is known as a āleaky pipeā or leaky pipelineAt every stage of the scientific career, female researchers are lost for multiple reasons, from lack of support to excessive caregiving or biases in evaluations.
Caregiving burden and pace of scientific career
One of the clearest causes of this slowdown in women's scientific careers is the unequal distribution of care workCaring for children, the elderly, family members with disabilities, or simply managing the daily logistics of the household involves an investment of time and energy that is not usually distributed equitably.
A study by the Gender Equality Coordination Office of the National Autonomous University of Mexico reveals telling figures: men report dedicating approximately 34,8 hours per week to caregiving tasks, while women report 57,6 hours. This difference of 22,8 hours per week, accumulated over a year, represents around 1.185,6 additional hours that they dedicated to caregiving and that they could potentially invest in research, writing articles, attending conferences or building their resumes.
When we measure scientific productivity with indicators that ignore this realityānumber of publications, journal impact, projects led, research stays abroadāwe are comparing career paths built under very different conditions. That is why it makes so much sense to talk about gender-sensitive assessmentsIt is not about "giving away points", but about not penalizing those who have had to combine science with a disproportionate burden of care.
At the same time, motherhood often presents additional difficulties: career interruptions, reduced geographical mobility, problems attending conferences, and difficulties in developing collaborative networks that are impossible to reconcile with family life. Without clear policies on work-life balance and shared responsibility, the scientific system ends up excluding female talent or keeping it in a secondary position.
Biases, stereotypes, and the importance of parity
In addition to inequality in care, there are gender biases These biases operate, often unconsciously, in selection, promotion, and recognition processes. One of the most cited examples is the experimental case known as "Jennifer and John": when evaluators were asked to assess identical resumes of two people, changing only the name (male or female), the candidate "John" was consistently rated higher and considered more employable than "Jennifer."
These biases are also reflected in comments such as "she was given that position because she's a woman," a phrase often heard when these situations are applied. parity measures or affirmative action. What's striking is that, for centuries, countless positions, professorships, and posts were awarded to men, largely precisely because they were men, without anyone questioning that this was an unfair criterion. Some of them were brilliant and extremely competent; others, clearly, not so much.
Gender parity, properly understood, is not intended to replace merit or become an eternal criterion, but rather to function as a corrective and temporary measure intended to redress a historical inequality. The goal is to reach a point where we can evaluate people based on their ability, experience, and talent, without gender tipping the scales in anyone's favor.
In a country like Mexico, where women represent approximately 51% of the population, it is reasonable to expect them to have access to the same opportunities in research, leadership, and decision-making. The key is that from the earlier education Girls and boys should receive the same respect, the same quality of education, and the same expectations of success. If girls are encouraged as much as boys to ask questions, experiment, program, or solve math problems, they will be much more likely to compete on a level playing field later in life.
Initiatives to increase the visibility of women scientists
To combat the underrepresentation of women scientists, good intentions alone are not enough: specific projects are needed that put their names, biographies, and achievements front and center. One such initiative is the digital platform āWomen in Scienceā, promoted by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and coordinated by Marta Macho Stadler.
The main mission of the Chair of Scientific Culture is social dissemination of scienceNot concrete works on gender equality or human rights. However, those who work and collaborate with her understand that promoting equal opportunities for women and men in the scientific field fits perfectly with her mission: a more scientifically literate society tends to be freer, more critical, and more just.
āWomen in Scienceā was created precisely with the idea of āāincreasing the public presence of female researchers. It publishes biographies, interviews, historical notes, event reviews, and all kinds of content that focus on women who do or have done science and technology in very diverse contexts. From historical pioneers who fought against a totally hostile environment to young people who today lead cutting-edge projects.
Its promoters are fully aware of the modesty of the initiativeIn an ocean as vast as the internet, a digital medium alone isn't going to change the world. But they also understand that inaction is not an option. Every story told counts, every visible reference It can make all the difference for a girl or a student who is finding her way.
Along the same lines, many museums and science centers have begun to organize specific exhibitions on the women's impact on scienceThese exhibitions invite the public to embark on an immersive journey through the contributions of pioneering figures who have transformed physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, and other fields. They are often collaborative projects that draw on the collections and expertise of science museums from different countries, resulting in a diverse and international mosaic.
Discoveries by women that have shaped modern science
Beyond the classic examples that everyone knows, such as Marie Curie, the work of many female scientists has had a decisive impact on modern science And yet, it doesn't always feature in popular narratives. Some fields where its contributions have been key are medicine, genetics, oncology, and virology.
In the field of antibiotics, British biochemistry Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin He used X-ray crystallography to decipher the structure of fundamental molecules such as penicillin and vitamin B12. This detailed knowledge of chemical structure proved essential for developing more effective and safer medicines, becoming a cornerstone of modern medicine.
In molecular biology and genetic inheritance, the Australian Maud Menten He made crucial contributions to the study of enzymes. The Michaelis-Menten equation, which bears his name, remains a fundamental tool for understanding how enzymes react and how the body's biochemical processes are regulated. Without this type of advancement, modern genetics and molecular biology would be very different.
Cancer research has also been profoundly shaped by the work of women. The American oncologist Mary-Claire King He identified the BRCA1 gene, strongly associated with hereditary breast cancer. This discovery has been crucial for early diagnosis, genetic counseling, and the design of prevention and treatment strategies that have saved and improved many lives.
In the field of infectious diseases, the French immunologist FranƧoise BarrƩ-Sinoussi She was one of the co-discoverers of the HIV virus, which causes AIDS. Thanks to her work and that of her team, reliable detection tests were developed and, over time, antiretroviral therapies that have transformed HIV from an almost certain death sentence into a treatable chronic disease in much of the world.
Challenges and achievements of female researchers today
Today, women represent around 29% of people dedicated to research Globally, according to international data, the percentage is still low, but much higher than it was a few decades ago. In Spain, their presence reaches approximately 41%, above the European Union average of around 38%.
This progress, however, is uneven. Women remain particularly underrepresented in fields such as engineering, computer science, and certain branches of technology. And, as in other countries, they have less access to leadership positions in universities, research centers, technology companies, and international organizations. The famous "glass gap" is evident in offices, salaries, and media visibility.
Despite everything, the last few years have also brought very significant achievements. More and more women are receiving prestigious scientific awardsincluding Nobel Prizes and recognition from national academies. Furthermore, the media is beginning to give them more coverage, which is helping to make their work known to the general public and not just the scientific community.
In parallel, many initiatives have emerged to support female talent in science, such as mentoring networks, professional associations, scholarship programs, and specific awards. Among these, the international program stands out. āFor Women in Scienceā, promoted by the L'OrĆ©al Foundation and UNESCO, which recognizes, highlights and funds projects led by female scientists around the world.
In Spain, this program has already reached its 19th edition and awards five prizes of 15.000 euros each year to female researchers under 40 years of age whose projects focus on Life Sciences and EnvironmentSince its inception, it has supported 87 female scientists with grants totaling nearly ā¬1,5 million. This type of financial and symbolic support can be crucial at key stages of a career, when an extra boost allows researchers to consolidate their groups, launch new lines of research, or persevere through challenging times.
The role of universities and participation data
Universities are a key setting for understanding how gender inequality manifests itself in science. At the University of Seville, for example, a meeting was organized fifty researchers at the Rectorate to commemorate February 11 and make visible the role of women in scientific activity under the motto "I am a woman and I do science".
According to the most recent report from its Equality Unit (with data from 2016), the institution has 1.596 women within its Teaching and Research Staff, which is equivalent to 38% of the totalHowever, the distribution by category reveals important nuances: only in the positions of full professor, assistant professor, and substitute lecturer do women exceed 50%. They reach 40% in tenured lecturers, and there is also a significant presence among full professors, but the percentage decreases in higher-ranking positions.
Looking at innovative activity, between 2006 and 2016, the following were recorded at the University of Seville 320 patents driven by women, which represents 28% of the total. During that same period, 11 were created spin-offs These companies, led by women, account for 20% of the new businesses created within the university itself. Again, participation exists and is significant, but it is still far from a true balance.
The experience of universities like the University of Seville is replicated, with some variations, in many other European and Latin American institutions: more women in early and middle stages, fewer at the top; notable participation in patents and technology-based companies, but still a minority. That is why it is so important that the institutions themselves promote active equality policies: equality plans, gender training for courts and committees, work-life balance measures and protocols against harassment and discrimination.
In parallel, those who make decisions regarding scientific trainingāministries, funding agencies, universities, research centersāneed to guarantee safe and inclusive workspacesIt is also urgent to strengthen science outreach at all educational levels (primary, secondary, and high school) and in all regions, not just in large urban centers or privileged contexts. If girls from rural areas or vulnerable neighborhoods never see a scientist up close, it is more difficult for them to imagine themselves in that field.
Looking at the whole picture, a significant change is noticeable: today Mexico has a scientist in the presidency of the RepublicHolding the highest political office in the country, she is a powerful symbol of the progress made and the transformative potential of more women with scientific backgrounds reaching positions of power. However, this milestone does not erase the inequalities that still exist, but rather should serve as an incentive to continue paving the way for new generations.
The historical journey from Nahua ticitl and Mayan ajkŹ¼ij to female rectors, presidents, laboratory directors, and leaders of major international projects shows that women have always been there, building knowledge from multiple fronts. The remaining task is for their work to cease being exceptional or anecdotal and to come to be seen as natural part of the scientific landscapewith equal rights, responsibilities, and recognition. Only in this way can science harness all available talent and better respond to the complex challenges of our societies.
