Not many years have passed out since I completed my 12th boards(2023) but I still remember the ick-ness I used to get while reading about scientists in our ncert books , specially the Biology ones.
They have a brief info about the major figure which influenced the following unit before actually starting the chapters.
In the two(11&12) textbooks of collectively 10 units , we've got only one unit (I repeat, only one unit)with info of a lady , who is none of other than Katherine Esau .I can't explain how happy and proud I felt when I saw name of a woman in there.
I still remember searching and reading about Katherine's biography from random blogs, articles and wiki pages and am still charmed by her brilliance and discipline (and her humour).
Back then I was young ,I used to think maybe since women weren't provided with proper education back in the time , so this resulted in lack of female figures in the scientific field but now as I'm growing older , I know why is it so .
I know this is an ick-feeling for you but this comment is such a breath of fresh optimism for me. To see things have changed SO much in the last 20 years - when young women like me graduated with no sense of the HIStory we were being taught in school. You give me so much hope for the future! ❤️
Though I would say that things have indeed changed (a bit ) in these years but people's reaction is still the same . I've been called "an oversensitive person " and "petty minded" for caring about these so called "small and not so important" things by people who are of same age as me .
My daughter will soon embark on her journey in STEM and I hope she doesn't have to deal with this. But based on my experience, I have warned her. The challenge is to appear as a team-player while letting your light shine. Men will always be considered a team-player plus a leader. For women, either she is not assertive or she is bossy.
I recently was in paris and visited Marie Curie’s grave in the Pantheon, and I’m happy to report that Pierre was a patni vrata pati till the end: his grave is below hers in the crypts <3
Anger, repressed emotions and forgotten memories — all bubbled to the surface. There is no woman who has not undergone what you have brought out here. I did not know about the Wright Sister or the Matilda effect. These are good heuristics to use to make a point when occasions arise. Thanks for the addition to the armoury!
Another brilliant article! I didn't know about Katherine Wright, and I visited a musuem exhibit featuring the Wright brothers showcasing the entire process behind their invention!
I am definitely buying the Tee please make it available soon:)
When you see a Marie, be a Pierre 💚 Love this line. Interestingly, Marie and Pierre Curie's daughter was also a scientist who married a scientist and together they won a Nobel Prize. The apple did not fall far from the tree, and she also imbibed equality in partnership from her parents. On a diff note, I believe the problem has been discussed significantly - we need more actional pointers to nurture credit for ourselves. That can be useful for many generations of women. Hoping to see more of these advisories going forward, perhaps, with many more real-world stories.
Beautiful, Mahima!
The worst damage happens when women start double guessing themselves.
And thank you for the facts around science inventions. It hit hard.
Not many years have passed out since I completed my 12th boards(2023) but I still remember the ick-ness I used to get while reading about scientists in our ncert books , specially the Biology ones.
They have a brief info about the major figure which influenced the following unit before actually starting the chapters.
In the two(11&12) textbooks of collectively 10 units , we've got only one unit (I repeat, only one unit)with info of a lady , who is none of other than Katherine Esau .I can't explain how happy and proud I felt when I saw name of a woman in there.
I still remember searching and reading about Katherine's biography from random blogs, articles and wiki pages and am still charmed by her brilliance and discipline (and her humour).
Back then I was young ,I used to think maybe since women weren't provided with proper education back in the time , so this resulted in lack of female figures in the scientific field but now as I'm growing older , I know why is it so .
I know this is an ick-feeling for you but this comment is such a breath of fresh optimism for me. To see things have changed SO much in the last 20 years - when young women like me graduated with no sense of the HIStory we were being taught in school. You give me so much hope for the future! ❤️
Fellow science nerd here Mahima ji ❤️
Though I would say that things have indeed changed (a bit ) in these years but people's reaction is still the same . I've been called "an oversensitive person " and "petty minded" for caring about these so called "small and not so important" things by people who are of same age as me .
Those people have existed forever. I'm happy voices like yours are finally speaking up 💕
Wowww....This is one of my favorite articles!!
Thank you for educating us on the Matilda Effect. I've had it happen to me as well.
Like all women, I blamed it on my lack of assertiveness. But I will be mindful from now on.
As always, a great newsletter Mahima
My daughter will soon embark on her journey in STEM and I hope she doesn't have to deal with this. But based on my experience, I have warned her. The challenge is to appear as a team-player while letting your light shine. Men will always be considered a team-player plus a leader. For women, either she is not assertive or she is bossy.
Good one, hopefully its getting better! You can add Gladys West to the illustrious list of ignored
https://spectrum.ieee.org/gladys-west-hidden-figure-gps
I recently was in paris and visited Marie Curie’s grave in the Pantheon, and I’m happy to report that Pierre was a patni vrata pati till the end: his grave is below hers in the crypts <3
Although the poor chap died first so that might not have been his decision. But you gotta love Pierre 💚💚💚
Brilliant essay as always, Mahima.
Anger, repressed emotions and forgotten memories — all bubbled to the surface. There is no woman who has not undergone what you have brought out here. I did not know about the Wright Sister or the Matilda effect. These are good heuristics to use to make a point when occasions arise. Thanks for the addition to the armoury!
Another brilliant article! I didn't know about Katherine Wright, and I visited a musuem exhibit featuring the Wright brothers showcasing the entire process behind their invention!
I am definitely buying the Tee please make it available soon:)
Aye aye! On it!
Fantastic article, Mahima. I am sure all women can relate to this exasperating pattern.
When you see a Marie, be a Pierre 💚 Love this line. Interestingly, Marie and Pierre Curie's daughter was also a scientist who married a scientist and together they won a Nobel Prize. The apple did not fall far from the tree, and she also imbibed equality in partnership from her parents. On a diff note, I believe the problem has been discussed significantly - we need more actional pointers to nurture credit for ourselves. That can be useful for many generations of women. Hoping to see more of these advisories going forward, perhaps, with many more real-world stories.