Learning from five pioneer women in Geosciences: a long-lasting story

Abstract

This article is a first product compiling the results of dissemination activities conducted within the group “Women in Geosciences” at the Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, University of Bari, aimed primarily at involving young students. It collects the individual stories of five female geoscientists from different countries, covering a wide time span (17^th to 20^th century), working in different fields of study (mineralogy, palaeontology, geology, marine geology, petrography). Martine de Bertereau, Mary Anning, Maria Matilda Ogilvie Gordon, Maria Vasilyevna Klenova and Oplinia Hieke explored mines, mountains, beaches, and oceans, while collecting and studying minerals, fossils, and rocks. In many cases, their activity resulted in economic and cultural improvements that initially benefited small groups and then entire communities. The common thread linking all these stories concerns the numerous obstacles and prejudices these women have had to face due to the persistent gender imbalance in Earth Sciences. Despite their intense research activity, some of them are remembered mainly as wives or disciples of famous male scientists and explorers. Some remained in the shadows because their scientific achievements were mainly attributed to well-known men, while others only gained recognition later. All of them are a great source of inspiration for their perseverance and contributions to the development of Geology as a Science. Learning from these pioneers should motivate younger women into Geosciences and help to understand which prejudices have been overcome and what still needs to be achieved.