Today, February 11, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a key date to recognize the work and dedication of women who, throughout history, have broken barriers in the field of science. This day aims to inspire new generations of girls to pursue careers in science and to highlight the achievements of women who have made their mark in this field.
PIONEERING WOMEN IN SCIENCE WHO CHANGED THE WORLD
It is not only the women of today who are making history. Throughout the centuries, courageous and visionary women have been pioneers in the development of science and technology, facing social and professional challenges. Some of the most prominent include:
Marie Curie (1867-1934): A pioneer in the field of radioactivity, she was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, in Physics and Chemistry, and remains a benchmark in scientific research.
Ada Lovelace (1815-1852): British mathematician and writer, known for her work on Charles Babbage’s analytical machine. She is credited with creating the first algorithm and is considered the first programmer in history.
Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958): Her research on the structure of DNA was crucial for the discovery of the double helix, although her contribution was unjustly ignored in her time..
Katherine Johnson (1918-2020): American mathematician and physicist, whose space trajectory calculations were fundamental to the success of NASA’s space missions.
These women, along with many others, have left an invaluable legacy, proving that science has no gender and that women can be great leaders in innovation and discovery.
DISCOVERING THE LEGACY OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE
Our students in the 1st year of general high school, who, as part of their learning, have researched about some of the most influential pioneers in science. Through this project, students have had the opportunity to delve into the life and achievements of women such as Hypatia, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Blackburn or Rachel Carson among others. In this way, they have learned not only about their scientific contributions, but also the challenges that some of them faced, at a time when women were not fully recognized in these fields. This work has allowed our students to further appreciate the importance of gender equality in science and to learn from the examples of these great figures.
INSPIRING ALUMNAE AS WOMEN OF SCIENCE
At our Casvi School in Boadilla del Monte, we are proud to have inspiring stories of former students who have opted for scientific careers such as genetics and pharmacy, two areas that are playing a fundamental role in the advancement of health and modern science. Through their experiences, they demonstrate how passion and dedication can open doors in the world of science, regardless of gender.
Today, we continue to work so that more and more girls and young women choose scientific careers, knowing that they too can change the world.
