The Shrouded History of Women in STEM

Jake Leedham

The history of women’s involvement in the field of engineering dates back to the advent of the industrial revolution. Despite the notable contributions made by women to the discipline, their efforts have historically been undervalued and overlooked. However, this has not deterred the determination and resilience of women in the field, who have continued to persevere and break down societal barriers, paving the way for future generations. While the representation of women in engineering has improved in recent years, gender discrimination and bias remain persistent challenges. The ongoing pressures of a gender pay gap and a lack of representation in leadership positions serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in the pursuit of gender equality in this field. Nevertheless, the tenacity and impact of women in engineering serves as a source of inspiration and motivation to strive towards a more diverse and inclusive future. Within this article, I will seek to represent early female engineers: Ada Lovelace, Kathrine Johnson and many more, highlighting the importance of their creations and the absurdity of their shrouded skills.

Throughout history, there have been many instances where women’s contributions to the field of engineering have been overlooked or credited to men. Ada Lovelace’s contributions to the field of computer science went largely unnoticed until the 20th century. Despite her groundbreaking work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, her achievements were not widely recognised or acknowledged until much later. Lovelace’s collaboration with Babbage resulted in the creation of the world’s first computer program, yet her contributions were often overshadowed by those of her male collaborator. Lovelace’s ideas about the potential uses of the Analytical Engine, particularly in the realm of music and art, went far beyond the capabilities of the machine itself, and her insights into the future of computation helped lay the foundation for modern computer science. However, despite her significant impact on the field, Lovelace’s contributions were not widely recognised or appreciated during her lifetime. In fact, her work was largely ignored for over a century after her death, as the field of computer science was dominated by men and the study of her work was not a priority. It was not until the mid-20th century, when computer science as a discipline began to emerge and gain recognition, that the full extent of Lovelace’s contributions to the field became widely recognised and acknowledged. Today, Ada Lovelace is considered an important figure in the history of computer science and a symbol of women’s achievements in a field that was, and remains, dominated by men.

Furthermore, Chien-Shiung Wu was a trailblazing physicist who made significant contributions to the Manhattan Project and the study of radioactive decay. Despite her key role in these experiments, her contributions were credited to her male colleagues, who went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics. This is a clear example of the systemic gender bias that has persisted in the field of science and technology, where women’s contributions have often gone unnoticed, and their work has been credited to their male colleagues. Wu’s experimental work was crucial to the discovery of the violation of parity, a fundamental principle in physics, yet her name was not mentioned when her male colleagues were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. This unjust situation highlights the persistent barriers that have prevented women from being recognised for their achievements in science and technology and the need for further efforts to promote gender equality in these fields. Despite these obstacles, women like Chien-Shiung Wu have persevered and made significant contributions to the field, inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in science and technology and rise to the occasion of more women in STEM.

Finally, Katherine Johnson was an American mathematician and aerospace engineer who made significant contributions to the United States’ aeronautics and space programs during the 20th century. Despite her key role in several important missions, including the first American human spaceflight, Johnson’s work was not widely recognised until recent decades. This is due, in part, to the systemic barriers that have prevented women, particularly women of colour, from pursuing careers in engineering more broadly. Johnson’s experience is a testament to the resilience and determination of women who have overcome systemic barriers to make significant contributions to the field of science and technology. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of women and girls who aspire to pursue careers in these fields and will encourage them to take an active stance in proving their own worth.

In conclusion, it is crucial that we continue to work towards a more equitable future for women in engineering and all STEM fields. This requires addressing the systemic barriers that have prevented women from pursuing careers in these fields and promoting policies and initiatives that support women’s advancement and recognition in STEM. By doing so, we can ensure that the contributions of women in engineering are no longer shrouded in obscurity but are instead celebrated and recognised for their vital role in shaping our technological future.