Paris’ Eiffel Tower features the names of 72 notable scientists – all men. But that is set to change with the addition of another 72 names, this time women who distinguished themselves in the field of science, mathematics or engineering.
The city of Paris has revealed the name of 72 women who have distinguished themselves in the scientific field – their names will be written next to those of the 72 men whose names are engraved in gold on the monument.
The names of the women in question were unveiled on Monday in the presence of the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, along with the descendants of the inspiring women.
Among them is Alice Recoque, a physicist and computer engineer, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 91 and who participated in the creation of the CNIL (French Data Protection Authority).
The names of Marie Curie, two-times Nobel Prize winner, Sophie Germain, a self-taught mathematician, and Angélique du Coudray, an obstetrician who reduced infant mortality in the 18th century, will also be included. But most names remain unknown to the general public and the aim now is to shine a light on these women.
This small step towards recognition is the result of a four-year campaign led by the Femmes et Sciences (Women and Science) association.
The tribute aims to fight against the ‘Matilda effect’ – which is the minimisation of women’s participation in scientific research. Science, mathematics and engineering courses remain largely unpopular among young girls.
Pierre-Antoine Gauthier, the chief architect of historical monument told French media France Info that the project will be quite technical as some letters will “measure 60 centimetres in height”, but he hopes to have all the names up by early 2027.
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