On February 11, the world commemorates International Day of Women and Girls in Science, an occasion to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Despite the historical obstacles many faced, women have demonstrated admirable resilience, leaving a legacy that inspires current and future generations.

Women in STEM in Antiquity

Tapputi-Belatekallim (ca. 1200 B.C.): Considered the first known chemist, she developed advanced methods for distillation and extraction of perfumes in ancient Mesopotamia.
Hypatia of Alexandria (355-415 A.D.): Philosopher, astronomer and mathematician who led the School of Alexandria. Her work was key to preserving and expanding classical knowledge.

These figures defied the expectations of their time and proved that gender is not a limit to genius. If you want to read more, you can go to the original article.

Women in STEM during the Middle Ages

Although the Middle Ages are often associated with a decline in knowledge, it was also a period when some women managed to stand out:

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179): German Benedictine abbess, scientist, writer, composer and mystic. Her writings cover medicine, biology, physics and theology.
Trotula of Salerno (11th century): Italian physician who was part of the Salerno Medical School and wrote texts on women's health that influenced European medicine.

These women found ways to contribute to science from non-traditional spaces, breaking barriers in an adverse social context. If you want to read more, you can go to the original article.

Innovators in STEM: 16th and 17th Centuries

With the Renaissance and the Enlightenment came new opportunities for women to participate in the fields of knowledge:

Isabella Cortese (16th century): Italian alchemist and writer, she published "I Segreti della Signora Isabella Cortese", where she shared chemical and medical formulas.
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717): German naturalist and artist, she revolutionized entomology by documenting the metamorphosis of insects in scientific and artistic detail.

These pioneering women challenged academic exclusion and demonstrated that science is a universal language. If you want to read more, you can go to the original article.

Women in STEM: From Modernity to Today

After the 17th century, women's rights movements and social changes marked a turning point in the history of female participation in STEM. The inclusion of women in universities, along with the struggle for gender equality, allowed more women to access scientific education and careers.

Today, the number of women in STEM continues to grow, with leading figures such as:

Katherine Johnson (1918-2020): African-American mathematician who performed crucial calculations for NASA space missions.
Tu Youyou (born 1930): Chinese pharmaceutical scientist winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine for her discovery of artemisinin, an antimalarial drug.
Marie Curie (1867-1934): Polish physicist and chemist, pioneer in the field of radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win it twice in different specialties (Physics and Chemistry).

The inclusion of women in these fields has not only led to crucial scientific breakthroughs, but has also demonstrated the importance of diversity in science.

According to UNESCO, women represent approximately 33% of researchers worldwide (updated data), and this percentage continues to increase thanks to global initiatives that promote equal opportunities in STEM. However, the gender gap persists, especially in areas such as engineering and computer science, where female representation is even lower.

Women in STEM: From Modernity to the Present Cecropia's Commitment to Diversity

At Cecropia, we are a technology company committed to the inclusion and professional growth of women in STEM. Currently, we have a team of which 30% are women. Of these, 75% are part of the Software Development area. We know that women bring unique and essential skills, and that is why we seek to continue to increase female representation in our team.

The Importance of Recognition and Celebration

Remembering the stories of these women not only pays tribute to their achievements, but also inspires more women and girls to follow in their footsteps. Diversity in STEM not only enriches the fields of knowledge, but also opens doors to more innovative and equitable solutions.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us celebrate the legacy of these visionaries and work together to build a future where female talent has an equal opportunity to shine.