In the same way, the biographies of the interviewees took on the tone of a
conversation rather than a formal description, seeking to reveal daily aspects,
singularities, and the diversity that exists in what is understood as “being a woman”.
Science and Arts are allied in the production of the images that make up this book.
They are lines and shapes created through drawing, which arise from the fusion between
paper and ink. Photography captures the instant, from an angle, and only exists thanks
to knowledge about physics and chemistry, the result of discoveries, calculations, and
experiments. There are also figures captured by means of the cyanotype technique, a
contact print which has been used for almost two centuries. This procedure was widely
used to record science, and, by the same token, it was the English botanist Anna Atkins
who created and published the world’s first illustrated book with photographs.
Just like this woman’s feat, throughout this research I came across several stories of
female discoverers and researchers who had their names erased by History, they were
summarily made invisible. Their ideas and proposals were discarded or - even worse -
replaced by male signatures.
However, in the contemporary statements present in the interviews, it is clear that
due to the evolution of society and the acquisition of rights, through incentive programs
and equity projects, women’s places are being duly occupied. With variations and
demands in some specific areas, the possibilities today are plentiful.
However, between the lines, it is noticeable that there is weariness, discomfort, and
hostility in the environments where scientists work. Different judgments and treatment
regarding their attitudes and personal choices: to be a mother or to choose not to have
children; to get married or not; to be rational or emotional; to speak loudly or calmly; to
have or not to have patience.
The fact is that being a woman always implies breaking some barrier. There is always
an extra attention, a time spent defending oneself, putting oneself forward, regardless of
profession, social class, or culture. It is a constant with which, in a way, we get used to.
This work was carried out by many hands in order to be aligned with the
Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the UN, more specifically with Goal 5,
which mentions gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. More
than 20 women were involved in the stages of production and creation, from the initial
project to the printed book.
The collective work makes use of poetry, photography, information, and life stories
to provide encouragement and enthusiasm. Wishing that the girl-readers will be, in fact,
whatever they want to be!
Lieza Neves – Journalist
Meaning TeamPrefácio 29