Women's Unseen Impact on Science

The provided sources collectively explore the historical and ongoing impact of women in science, highlighting their significant contributions despite systemic barriers. They introduce key concepts such as the Matilda Effect, which describes the consistent underrecognition or appropriation of women's scientific achievements, and the leaky pipeline, illustrating the disproportionate attrition of women from STEM fields. Through biographical narratives of figures like Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Katherine Johnson, the texts demonstrate how women have been "invisible architects" from antiquity to the modern age, often performing foundational work that was undervalued or uncredited. Furthermore, the sources analyze statistical data to reveal persistent gender disparities in STEM education and workforce participation, particularly in fields like engineering and computer science. Finally, they offer recommendations for fostering a more equitable scientific future, emphasizing curriculum reform, bias reduction, and the cultivation of active male allyship to counteract the ingrained biases and structural challenges women continue to face.