Long relegated to the shadows of scholarly accounts, women scientists are now becoming the heroines of children's and popular literature. This article explores how publishing is re-evaluating inspiring figures and contributing to the diversity of role models.
The representation of women in science in literature still vacillates between invisibility and revaluation. Long considered to play a supporting role in stories, female scientists have, in recent years, become heroines in their own right, buoyed by a revival in publishing and education.
Marie Curie still a central figure, remains the tree that hides the forest; literary production on women in science largely focuses on her, sometimes to the detriment of other profiles that are essential to the diversity of role models. However, many contemporary works for young people and the general public now seek to portray great pioneers, some of whom are little known: Rosalind Franklin, Ada Lovelace, Émilie du Châtelet, Katherine Johnson, Maryam Mirzakhani and Vera Rubin.
Dictionaries, anthologies and children's books bring together biographical notes, accounts of discoveries and illustrations that highlight the passion, challenges and achievements of these women. They describe how their vocation began, how they fought to earn a place in the scientific world, the obstacles they encountered (sexism, isolation, lack of recognition) and the impact of their discoveries.
Children's literature often uses the form of the documentary novel or illustrated story to humanise these journeys and inspire the new generation, showing that science is also a feminine adventure. Fictional or real interviews, timelines and galleries highlight the plurality of disciplines: astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science...
Furthermore, novels and science fiction allow us to reflect on women's access to science, either in a forward-looking or rebellious manner. In conclusion, developments in literature are gradually.
In conclusion, the evolution of literature is gradually making visible the richness and diversity of women in science, questioning history, exclusion and the necessary reinterpretation of the scientific narrative for equality, emancipation and inspiration.
There is a book about women in literature. Here it is:
Femmes de science : la rencontre de 14 chercheuses d’hier et d’aujourd’hui
We have reviewed a book about astronomy on our website. Here is the link to access it!
