In recent times the role of women in education and the scientific field has rapidly increased which is why more and more girls choose professions in STEM (short for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). In the 21st century, we all agree that intellect doesn't have gender, but technology is still one of those fields, where men dominate and doors aren’t open for many women.
According to the studies, adolescent girls approximately 11 years of age get interested in the science field, however, over time they prefer to take different paths for career advancement. Phycologist Martin Bauer connects the tendency of losing interest in science to existing gender stereotypes and the women’s underrepresentation in the STEM field: "Conformity to social expectations, gender stereotypes, gender roles and lack of role models continue to channel girls' career choices away from STEM fields". Compared to previous centuries, girls' involvement both in school and university has increased dramatically but they’re still underrepresented in STEM fields, which can be a result of the loss of interest at a young age. This is exactly why for the past few years, Women Scientist Day is celebrated worldwide on the 11th of February in order to raise awareness about these issues.
Women have courageously stepped into higher education and science, which in the past was possible only for men. In addition, despite the lack of recognition in the scientific community and gender discrimination, several women have been able to make a historic contribution to the development of this field. Barbare Kipiani, born in 1879, occupies a prominent place in the ranks of such women. She is known as the first-ever Georgian female scientist. Barbare taught at the universities of Brussels, Paris, and Geneva. In addition to her scientific work, she collected works of Georgian artists scattered throughout Europe. In 1910 she founded a Georgian exhibition at the International Museum in Brussels. "This is the first time that Georgia is given the opportunity to show Europe the achievements of Georgians in science and technology. Please help by donating books, paintings, and other items," - Barbare Kipiani wrote in her letter, urging her compatriots to contribute to the collection.
It is hard to imagine how much effort it took women to pave the way for us and at the same time overcome the stereotypes rooted in society and the education system, but they did not back down and fought for their dreams to become inventors, scientists, engineers and so on. “I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy”- said Marie Curie, the famous female scientist, whose words can be inspirational to many, especially to women of the new generation who are trying to find strength in themselves to pursue their goals and conquer the impossible.
Author: Mariam Kartvelishvili
Translator: Kate Gelashvili
Editor: Mariam Beshidze
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