Many have been the challenges that women in science have had to face. A struggle for opportunities and equality that has made sustainability more possible and real. How? Let’s find out!
Women in Science: From Symbolism to Progression
Science, technology, and research. This is the field of irrigation and harvesting of sustainability, which coils around these three branches of knowledge, exploration, and rediscovery to expand, grow, and bear fruit that help ensure a better future. A tomorrow in which women, with science in hand, have had much to contribute and, even more, where they still have much to say.
Women in Science: A History Full of Overcoming
Yes, it is true that history has been painted for centuries with male prevalence. This has forced the female sex to face and overcome obstacles and challenges in pursuit of greater prosperity and visibility. However, it is equally accurate to point out that there are already many, no, countless women who, over time, have made significant contributions to both science and technology, especially in recent decades.
Scientific fields (and also those not so scientific) historically dominated by men. The XX chromosome, however, has managed to leave its imprint, brain, and genius. And since an example is worth more than a thousand words, in this article we will meet the women in science; or, more precisely, we will explore what have been the most outstanding contributions of the female team so far.
The goal? To learn to recognize, among all the sustainable practices known today, which ones emerge from the non-masculine hat. The yardstick? The solutions proposed to weather the storm of environmental problems. The ultimate aim? To shine a spotlight on and give well-deserved recognition to these female demonstrations of innovation.
When women in science ally with sustainability
The trajectory of women in the scientific world is a showcase of perseverance and achievements that are truly impressive. A trail of consistency and tenacity that can be traced seamlessly from ancient Egypt in the 3rd century, with Hypatia of Alexandria and her philosophical, astronomical, and mathematical vision, to landing in the not-so-distant 20th century. Like Marie Curie and her discovery of radioactivity, earning her the nickname “mother of modern physics.”
Talking about women in science, therefore, is to allude to advancements and challenges, to shattered and disrupted social norms, and to champion various achievements across many scientific disciplines as proof of brilliance. What is most recent in this regard? That they too have joined the challenge of halting and resolving the environmental crisis, thus cultivating a field of sustainability sown with many, no, countless female contributions.
Women and Sustainability
There has been so much creativity shown in this sector that studies in this field now speak of pioneering women, given the diverse research poured into a wide range of areas. Contributions range from chemistry to biology and engineering, with particular emphasis on the most environmental technology, of course.
In fact, there are countless women in science who continue to contribute (and significantly) in the field of sustainability. As a result, there are numerous research studies and innovative projects available, in both scientific and outreach efforts that dare to tackle several of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.
Rachel Carson: The Awakening of Ecosystem Protection and Environmental Awareness
Worth mentioning and exemplifying as a leader of scientific sustainability among women is Rachel Carson, conservationist and marine biologist. Originally from the United States, this great woman can be defined as an emblematic figure, without exaggeration. A historical icon in the fight for sustainability, as evidenced by her work “Silent Spring.”
Published in 1962 and translated into Spanish as “Primavera Silenciosa,” Carson did not hesitate to use her book as a megaphone to alert anyone willing to read its pages about the dangers of repeated use of chemical pesticides and their harmful effects on both health and the environment, emphasizing the destruction caused by DDT and its abrasive substance. But why was Carson’s contribution so crucial?
Basically because she argued and demonstrated that such chemicals only served to contaminate the soil, water, and air. This toxicity causes the death of numerous animal species. A masterpiece full of scientific contributions that inspired the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Its scope and influence were such that it quickly led to the banning of DDT in nearly every country worldwide. A milestone that, in essence, marks the beginning of the modern environmental movement.
Women in Science: Or How Wangari Maathai Made Reforestation Her Community Empowerment
It is impossible to talk about environmental sustainability and female contribution without referring to Wangari Maathai. A biologist and ecologist of Kenyan origin, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977. This organization is dedicated to reforestation at its core, and concurrently empowers women in rural communities.
A truly great initiative, whose triumphs and successes are measured by the planting of over 51 million trees in Kenya since the beginning of the campaign, thereby reducing deforestation. Equally important, it has also improved the country’s soil quality
A job that, in any case, speaks of the sweat of many and the efforts of many, in a journey of female empowerment that benefited the environment. At the same time, it provided employment and opened doors to education for many women in the area. This promotes sustainable development in the process, and does so at a community level. Has Maathai’s original idea received global recognition?
In 2004, she received the Nobel Peace Prize in acknowledgment, applause, and gratitude for her efforts in defending democracy, promoting sustainable development, and preserving peace.
Jennifer Doudna: Turning Biotechnology into Genetic Editing
Famous for co-discovering the revolutionary tool for genetic editing that has been one of the most significant of modern decades alongside other scientific members of her team, this biochemist based in the United States is one of the masterminds behind the development of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which holds tremendous potential for sustainability. And why is that?
Given that it allows for the cultivation of crops more resistant to diseases and pathogens, essentially reducing the need for pesticides in the process. A beneficial decrease that, in turn, can contribute to increasing agricultural production efficiency, as experts assure, not to mention promoting the conservation of endangered species. Genetic editing, in summary, can also play a role in the fight to restore ecosystems, especially those that have been damaged.
Vandana Shiva: For True Biodiversity and Authentic Sustainable Agriculture
And from the footprint of Kenya and the United States, we move to the trail of India. Or rather, to the legacy left by Vandana Shiva, whose voice has tirelessly resonated in the promotion of sustainable agriculture on one hand, and in the conservation of biodiversity on the other.
Indian at heart and ecofeminist by profession, this renowned thinker with a PhD in physics has made defending the rights of farmers the professional and spiritual pursuit of her life. A sustainable and combative initiative, focused on fighting against and diminishing the power of multinational corporations, especially those that promote industrial agriculture and push for GMOs or genetically modified organisms.
Shiva even went on to found the organization Navdanya, which today fights to protect seed diversity while promoting truly sustainable agricultural practices. After all, agroecology is essential for environmental sustainability, in her opinion; a view that also extends to the conservation of native seeds and long-term food security.
Women Scientists: From Environmental Governance to Effective Climate Communication
A list of women in science prominently featuring Maria Ivanova, a political scientist and expert in environmental governance. Her activist campaigns advocate for policies that effectively and sustainably manage natural resources, promoting global cooperation, implementing international environmental agreements, and addressing even the most complex environmental challenges.
It’s important to also mention Katharine Hayhoe, who advocates for scientific communication as an effective formula to raise awareness about climate change and the urgency of taking action, addressing both the public and policymakers.
However, women in science continue to face challenges and lack of opportunities.
Struggle for Equality
Since all that glitters is not gold, the fight for equality in science continues. It is fair to note that while women continue to play an essential role in advancing sustainability, their contributions are as fundamental as they are crucial in making a more sustainable future possible for all. However, there is still much ground to cover in achieving gender equality in the field of science.
Centuries ago, achieving this goal seemed distant and impossible, but now we are well on our way to accomplishing it. Progress is being made towards a future where gender equality in science is not even a novelty. However, there is still a journey ahead to eliminate biases, celebrate achievements, and establish equity.
Nevertheless, this goal is within reach. How? By recognizing and supporting the work of women in science, especially when their contributions have a positive impact that benefits the entire planet. And by promoting greater scientific diversity, both for social justice and to give expression to creativity, originality, and innovation. Along the way, building tools that effectively address and resolve global environmental problems.
