“Through the process of equity, we can reach equality,” states the description of this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Embrace Equity. Sharing stories of women who have broken barriers in STEM is a reminder of what can be achieved when equity is embraced. As Scientific American writes, “...the findings are clear: for groups that value innovation and new ideas, diversity helps.” Let’s take a moment to honor some brilliant individuals who have made it possible for more diverse voices to be heard in STEM industries – from one of the first women in STEM until now.
In 1912, before women in most countries could vote, Elisa Leonida Zamfirescu became one of the first women in the world to obtain a degree in engineering, inspiring generations of women who followed her. The World Record Academy quotes a newspaper from 1912 as follows: “In engineering, the future of women is great, Miss Elisa Leonida has passed the final exam with great success, obtaining the degree of engineer.” She not only advanced our understanding of chemistry while working at the Geological Institute, but she also “taught physics and chemistry at Pitar Moş School of Girls,” reports Europeana. ...read more!
