I decided to write this book for
three reasons. The first is that, throughout history, there have been
many women who have contributed to the vast wealth of scientific
knowledge, yet in all my life until now I had only heard of a few.
The second reason for writing this
book is to answer the question: why have so many women embarked on a
program of study where they were clearly unwelcome? Whenever women
enter into traditionally male-dominated territory, whether it be
studying science or driving a truck, they are bound to encounter
resistance.
The third incentive for this book
involves honesty. I have been to seminars on Women in Science and I
have been involved in projects designed to interest Middle School
girls in scientific careers. In all cases there was an element of
dishonesty. Science was promoted as a great career option for women
and the overall sense was that of cheerleaders urging on the team.
The challenges that these young women and girls might face were never
mentioned, as if they no longer exist. I believe that the entire
situation should be laid out honestly. Girls and young women can then
make informed decisions. Knowing in advance that there are barriers
will help them to develop a strategy, rather than blindly stumbling
into barriers that they didn't know existed. In this book we have
tried to honestly portray the situation from antiquity through the
year two thousand and three.
