Go you! You’re female, so you’re a scientist

5-minute read

Congratulations, you! You deserve recognition for your role in International Day of Women and Girls in Science. You’re in science even if you think you’re not – because you’re female, so you’re a walking biology experiment.

You’re at the forefront of biological advances simply by getting to know yourself, what works for you and what doesn’t in different times of the month and different circumstances.

What you know about how to manage your condition contributes to science.

And, if you want, you can share your experience – which is, after all, expertise – to help other women with their own scientific experiments at EveryWoman Day storytelling website.

We have to help each other because there’s not a whole lot of medical research going on with women’s health conditions such as endometriosis, Polycystistic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Bladder Pain Syndrome (PBS), infertility and others which have far-reaching effects in a woman’s day-to-day life, career, relationships and mental health.

So let’s share what you, your mum, your granny and aunties know about dealing with them, and let other women benefit from the success of your experiments.

And on International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), let’s celebrate all the many and varied contributions of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

We’re all important in advancing women’s health and wellbeing — and we’re proud to support this mission.

The Importance of representation in health research

Women scientists bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to research and medical practice, ensuring that health studies are more inclusive and representative.

Historically, medical research often neglected women’s specific health concerns, leading to gender gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Men in women’s healthcare have come a long way since the days when removal of the uterus was the cure for hysteria (hence the word hysterectomy). Yet until fairly recently, the vast majority of gynaecologists and obstetricians were men.

More women in STEM not only paves the way for more innovative solutions which are derived from lived experience, but also creates a healthcare landscape where women’s voices are heard, understood, and prioritised.

Women in STEM: Driving health innovation

Women in STEM have been at the forefront of transforming health and the course of science for centuries. What’s different now is the acceptance of women into those careers so that they are recognised as leaders in their fields, instead of them being the anomalies.

Let’s raise a glass to some of the inspirational trailblazers of history:

• Ada Lovelace laid the conceptual foundation for modern computing in the mid-1800s.
• Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her work in radioactivity treatments and remains the only person to have earned Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (physics and chemistry).
• Rosalind Franklin’s expertise in X-ray crystallography was crucial in uncovering the double helix structure of DNA and is a cornerstone of modern genetics.
• Grace Hopper developed one of the first compilers, which made programming languages more accessible and set the stage for modern software development. She’s also credited with popularising the term “debugging” after literally removing a moth from a computer. 
• Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician whose calculations were vital for NASA’s early space missions. Her work helped ensure the safe trajectory of flights, including the historic Apollo missions that landed humans on the Moon.
• Physicist Chien-Shiung Wu played a key role in providing critical evidence for the violation of parity symmetry in weak nuclear interactions.
• Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States after an inequality battle,  paving the way for future generations of female healthcare professionals.

These women were pioneers, pushing through all kinds of barriers. Today, women are in all areas of STEM and that’s something to celebrate. From researchers developing life-changing treatments for gynaecological conditions, to engineers designing medical devices that improve quality of life, their contributions have a profound impact.

How STEM careers empower women personally

STEM careers benefit society, and they empower the women within them. A career in science offers women opportunities to explore their passions, develop cutting-edge solutions, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

It also fosters confidence, resilience, and leadership — qualities that help women thrive in all aspects of life.

For instance, STEM professionals working in women’s health research are addressing challenges like menopause, endometriosis, and fertility, directly improving the lives of countless women worldwide.

This work changes lives and provides an incredible sense of fulfilment and purpose for those at the helm of these innovations.

Inspiring the next generation

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s inspire the next generation of women scientists, researchers, and innovators. Mentorship programmes, scholarships, and representation in leadership roles are all key to empowering young women to see STEM as a space where they can excel and make a difference.

At Hyalofemme, we’re inspired by the women in STEM who are making strides to improve women’s intimate health and wellbeing. Their work reminds us that innovation is not just about solving problems — it’s about changing lives.

As we celebrate this important day, we encourage you to support women and girls in STEM. Whether it’s through mentoring, advocating for equality in the workplace, or simply recognising the achievements of women in science, every action counts.

Together, we can ensure that the future of science is diverse, inclusive, and brimming with possibilities for women and girls — and, in turn, create a brighter future for women’s health and wellbeing everywhere.

DID YOU KNOW – our organisation Purple Orchid Health also runs the Future Vets programme for young people who are interested in entering the world of Veterinary Science? You can find out more HERE.

Sources

1. 1. United Nations: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
      Website: https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day

   2. UNESCO: Women in Science Facts and Figures
      Website: https://www.unesco.org/en/women-in-science

   3. WHO: Addressing the Health Needs of Women
      Website: https://www.who.int/topics/womens_health/en/

   4. European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE): Women in STEM
      Website: https://eige.europa.eu/publications/gender-equality-index-2020-report/stem

   5. Reports on the Gender Gap in Health Research
      “Gender Bias in Clinical Trials and its Impact on Women’s Health” (Journal of Women’s Health)

   6. Research on Women’s Health Innovation

      “Advances in Women’s Health Technology” (BMJ Innovations)

      “Hormone-Free Solutions for Vaginal Dryness” (Reproductive Health Journal)