We have talked about Zhytomyr scientists more than once, but today is a special day. February 11-th – International Day of Girls and Women in Science, approved by the UN General Assembly. The holiday is significant because it was created to emphasize the problem of full and equal access of women to science
World statistics, published in 2017 by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, call the number of women scientists – only 28%. Ukrainian statistics look better: almost half of Ukrainian scientists are women. And although recently our scientists are increasingly working not only in their country but abroad, we have something to be proud of: the names of Ukrainian scientists are known to the world for their research and unique discoveries.
For example, the world knows the name of Maryna Vyazovska well. It was she who caused a sensation in the mathematical world when she solved the problem formulated by the philosopher and scientist Johann Kepler. Since the 17th century, mathematicians have fought over it in vain, and Maryna managed to do it succinctly and virtuously. We will not immerse you in mathematical terms, we will simply say that her article with a description on 24 pages extremely impressed scientists. Or Olha Maslova, who not only successfully conducts research in the field of cell biology, but also promotes science as such – helps beginners to immerse themselves. Co-founder of the projects «Needorium» and «Nobilitet», host of the program «Easy Science» helps young people to discover the scientific world. Or Yulia Bezvershenko, who is included in the list of TOP-20 Ukrainian women in STEM and is an associate member of the Council of Young Scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Her main achievement is not only the scientific title of Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, but also the activity of reforming the sphere of science in Ukraine.
The names of prominent Ukrainian scientists become examples for other women and girls who like to explore processes, seek and find answers to difficult questions, discover and move the world forward. There are also many Zhytomyr women who have decided to dedicate themselves to this important and responsible work. Researchers shared with us their views on the role of women in science.
Oleksandra Lutsevych, Front-end Developer, UI / UX Designer
«In order to do science, you need to be confident in yourself and in the fact that you are doing important work. It is important to understand that this work may be a failure at first, but in the end there is always a chance to become special. If we talk about the qualities of a person who works in the scientific field, then you need to be able to do the same job for a long time, work long and hard. You need to be able to evaluate your work objectively, as if looking at it from the side, and if necessary – at some point to start all over again. And most importantly – we must not stop there. Unfortunately, there are few women in science, because stereotypes about the role of women prevail in Ukraine and in the world. It is believed that a woman should only take care of the family, be «the guardian of the home». Doing two jobs at the same time – at home and in science – is not easy, but girls should still work in science. This provides an opportunity for a different view of the problem that gives development. For me personally, the implementation in the scientific field gives me the opportunity to learn what I am worth and what I can change for the better».
Maria Berezivska, Category 1 Engineer, Department of Digital Economics and International Economic Relations, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University
«To do science, you need to have a certain level of education and focus on the direction you like. And in it to develop. I work in modern fields of science related to economics and information technology. Since school I was interested in the development of the IT sphere, I studied in a specialized class. I am also interested in studying the patterns of economic processes, but now it is impossible to develop without knowledge in the field of IT. I’m always interested in learning something first and foremost for myself. It is necessary for every woman to have opportunities for self-realization, to be able to explore something and discover something new. Why not do it through science?»
Today, women work in various scientific fields, demonstrating by their own example that achieving the goal requires the ability to dream, tireless work and the desire to move forward. And so, soon there will be many more girls in science!
