G.O.A.T'ed Girlies in STEM

The Inspiring Journeys of Black Women in STEM: Past, Present, and Future It's the beginning of British Science Week and International Women's Day, so today we celebrate some of the Greatest Women of All Time (GWOATS?) who have shattered glass ceilings in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths)!

First, let’s travel back to the 1910's in America to meet Madam C. J. Walker (1867-1919). While she wasn't a scientist in the traditional sense, her contributions to STEM can't be ignored. She revolutionised hair care for Black women through innovative product development and a deep understanding of scalp health and chemistry. This wasn't just about beauty – it empowered Black women to embrace their natural hair texture and express themselves confidently. Madam Walker's journey involved experimentation and formulation, laying the groundwork for future Black women in cosmetic science and entrepreneurship within STEM.

In present day America, Dr. Stephanie Wilson (1966-present), is an example of a rockstar astrophysicist at NASA. Dr. Wilson doesn't just study stars, she chases them! Leading a team on the James Webb Space Telescope, one of the most powerful telescopes ever built, she's helping us peer into the deepest corners of the universe. Her work is truly out-of-this-world, and she inspires countless young women to reach for the stars (pun intended). As Dr. Wilson herself says, "If I can do it, so can you!"

Now, while space exploration is exciting, the reality is that Black women are vastly underrepresented in STEM fields. Studies show they make up only a small fraction of the global STEM workforce. Imagine a classroom full of eager students – only a handful would be Black women. That's a problem!

In comes - Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE (1990-present), a shining star amongst Black British women in STEM. A true prodigy, she aced her A-level computing exam at the jaw-dropping age of 11! But Dr. Imafidon's brilliance extends far beyond test scores. She is the President of the British Science Association, a regular presenter in the math corner on Channel 4’s Countdown, and the co-founder of Stemettes, an award-winning organisation paving the way for a future where classrooms overflowing with talented Black women in STEM become the norm, not the exception.

Britain also boasts a rich history of Black women in STEM who paved the way for future generations. Let’s meet Kofoworola Abeni Pratt (1915-1992). Pratt was both a nurse and a true pioneer who shaped healthcare on two continents. Born in Nigeria, she defied her father's disapproval to become one of the first Black students to become one of the first Black nurses in the newly formed National Health Service. This wasn't just a stepping stone – when she returned back to Nigeria in 1965, she established the country's first nursing school, laying the foundation for a generation of Nigerian nurses. Kofoworola Abeni Pratt's legacy as the "Nightingale of Nigeria" is a testament to the transformative power of Black women in healthcare.

This year's International Women's Day theme is #InspireInclusion, where we're all doing our part to celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity, so maybe we can learn a thing or two from these women. Their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of diversity in scientific fields. They've developed grit, determination, and what feels like a superpower or two (okay, maybe not, but they're pretty amazing).

This British Science Week, let's celebrate their achievements and champion initiatives that support Black women in pursuing their STEM dreams!

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Sources:

Madam CJ Walker. (n.d.). | African-American Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Activist. Available at: https://madamcjwalker.com/

Anon, (n.d.). Stephanie D. Wilson - NASA. Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/people/stephanie-d-wilson/.

Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE. (2019). Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE. Available at: https://aimafidon.com/about/.

Akinsanya, J., London, H. and London (n.d.). An African ‘Florence Nightingale’ a biography of: Chief (Dr) Mrs Kof oworola Abeni Pratt. Available at: https://nightingalesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/An-African-Florence-Nightingale-CWFN-site.pdf .‌‌