Celebrating Women's History Month

Great strides have been made in recognizing the accomplishments of women who have paved the way in scientific discovery and advancing the representation of women in science and mathematics.

There is more to be done to build from this foundation and to ensure that we dismantle the remaining barriers that limit the representation and success of women and especially women of color. In CNS we are striving to address these inequities, working to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women in STEM, and developing more proactive recruitment strategies to diversify our science based on gender, race, and ability so that all members of our community have the opportunity to  thrive.

The university will mark the significance of Women’s History Month with events such as the following:

• Virtual - Read UMass: Hell and Other Destinations
• Critical Pedagogies of Race and Gender: A Symposium honoring Dr. Alex Deschamps: March 19, 1:00-5:30 p.m. Register here.
• Women for UMass Amherst Fireside Chat with Chancellor and Karen Kaplan: March 23, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Register here.

Don’t forget to check out the Women of the Color Leadership Network (WOCLN) Instagram for quotes from inspiring women this month. Below, you’ll find some additional resources honoring the achievements of women in the sciences.

• The Face of the Perseverance Landing Was an Indian American Woman
• The Heroines STEM: 10 Women in Science You Should Know
• In Honor of Women’s History Month, Celebrate These Pioneering Women in Tech
• The Untold Story of Women in Science and Technology

Some of the following books and podcasts might interest you—and you can also peruse the Women's History Month reading challenge list.

Books

• Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly: The true story of the black female mathematicians at NASA.
• Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky: This book highlights the contributions of 50 notable women in the field of STEM. 
• Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II by Liza Mundy: Another true story about American women who secretly served as code-breakers during World War II.
• Trailblazers: 33 Women in Science Who Changed the World by Rachel Swaby: An awe-inspiring collection about some of the most influential women in science.
• An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon: In this debut novel, Solomon continues Octavia Butler's legacy of black science fiction while including queer and neuroatypical themes and plots. 
• Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann and Kristen Joiner: A story of fighting to belong in a world that wasn’t built for all of us.

Podcasts

• UMass Dignity and Respect in Action Podcast: Subscribe to this WHM series celebrating the work and experiences of women and nonbinary persons in our university community.
• iHeartRadio Podcasts for Women's History Month: Commemorate WHM with shows that highlight women's global, political, cultural, economic, and social achievements across industries.
• Encyclopedia Womannica: In just 5 minutes a day, learn about different incredible women throughout history.