News
Day 9: 9 books every woman in STEM should read
The world of STEM is full of fascinating discoveries, groundbreaking research, and inspiring individuals. For women in STEM, or those considering a career in these fields, reading can be a powerful way to connect with the history of science, learn from the experiences of other women, and fuel your own passion for innovation. Here are nine books that every woman in STEM should consider adding to their reading list:
1. Gender, science and technology by Catherine Wawasi Kitetu : this book is a collection of discourses, perspectives, practices and policies on the role of the female gender in science and technology, particularly in the African context. Although widely advocated as the indisputable foundation for political and economic power in the modern world, science and technology remains marked by various layers and dimensions of gender inequality that work to the disadvantage of girls and women.
2. Impacts of climate change and variability on pastoralist women in sub-saharan Africa by Munyae M. Mulinge, Melese Getu : to tackle the phenomenon of climate change effectively, human societies have put in place a combination of mitigation and adaptation mechanisms and strategies especially with a gender based perspective.
3. Women of color in STEM, navigating the workforce by Julia Ballenger, Barbara and Beverly Irby : the book is an opportunity for making public the life stories of women of color who have persevered in STEM workplace settings. The authors used various critical theories to situate and make visible the lives of women of color in such disciplines and workplace contexts like mathematics, science, engineering, NASA, academia, government agencies, and others.
4. Girls and women in STEM, A never ending story by Julia Ballenger, Barbara and Beverly Irby : encouraging the participation of girls and women in STEM remains as vital today as it was in the 1970s. … hence, the sub-title: “A Never Ending Story.” This volume is about ongoing advocacy on behalf of the future workforce in fields that lie on the cutting edge of society’s future.
5. Black women in science by PhD Kimberly Brown Pellum : throughout history, black women have blazed trails across the fields of STEM. Black Women in Science brings something special to black history books for kids, celebrating incredible black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the odds. Discover 15 science stories for kids that explore the lives of bold female scientists. Learn how each of them advanced their STEM fields and fought to build a legacy.
6. The story of Katherine Johnson: an inspiring biography for young readers by Andrea Thorpe : Katherine Johnson was one of the best mathematicians in the history of the United States. Before her math skills helped send the first American astronauts safely into space, she was a smart and curious girl who loved to learn new things about the world around her. She studied hard in school and became one of the first Black women hired by NASA.
7. Hidden figures by Margot Lee Shetterly : the phenomenal true story of the black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America’s greatest achievements in space—a powerful, revelatory history essential to our understanding of race, discrimination, and achievement in modern America.
8. Lab girl by Hope Jahren : in these pages, Hope takes us back to her Minnesota childhood, where she spent hours in unfettered play in her father’s college laboratory. She tells us how she found a sanctuary in science, learning to perform lab work “with both the heart and the hands.” She introduces us to Bill, her brilliant, eccentric lab manager. And she extends the mantle of scientist to each one of her readers, inviting us to join her in observing and protecting our environment.
9. Earth, Oceans and skies by the UN ECA : a book that sets itself apart by deviating from predominant models of presenting scientists. Most such accounts are staged from the author’s perspective, are often highly coloured, larger-than-life personas are created and the excitement of scientific discovery is obscured. In contrast, we have aimed to accord agency to the scientists and to hero their science. Thus, Earth, Oceans and Skies is autobiographical, where the scientists tell their own lives as they see themselves and their existence in the world of science.
We share this in preparation of the 11th February, the international day for girls and women in science. If you enjoyed reading, please do share the article around you to raise awareness about women in STEM challenges and what it’s been doing to tackle those challenges. Thanks !