The first computer algorithm.
The protection of India’s biodiversity.
The GPS technology.
Without women scientists, these mainstream tech developments would not have been possible.
If Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) had listened to the boys in her class heckling girls that they can be no good at sports/science/maths, the world’s first computer programmer (the one who came in before modern computers did) would have thrown away the entire humankind’s tryst with technology. She didn’t and it was her notes on Charles Babbage’s planned analytical engine (a program-based, general-use computer) that are known to be the first computer algorithm.
If Janaki Ammal (1897-1984) had paid heed to relatives insisting a woman’s role is in the kitchen, she would not have gone scouring the countryside as India’s first female plant scientist to develop hybrid plant species. Thereby becoming a strong voice in support and protection of India’s biodiversity.
If Gladys West (born 1930) had allowed the boys’ club at work to drown out her suggestions in a meeting, her mathematical modelling of the earth which became the foundation of GPS technology would remain unknown.
These are but a few of the world-changing inventions by women scientists. There are many awaited. Because the gender gap that exists for women and girls in science is made in laboratories with vitriol and bias.
Her Circle raises a toast to women in science and technology and welcomes you to cheer for more girls to build a future for themselves and the world in the space of science.
A brighter, equal, scientific, magical future!