Women are not written out of science history in Porto

The Rectory of the University of Porto features the exhibition "E contudo, elas movem-se! Mulheres e ciência", [And yet, they move! Women in science!] is the theme of the exhibit, on display at the Rectory of the University of Porto, from today, 10th September till 29 October.
Entrance free.

The portrait of Leopoldina Ferreira Paulo, the first woman to be awarded a Doctorate in UP, will be the first of a woman to ever stand in the Grand Hall of this institution.

These women have been overlooked and their achievements snubbed in a male dominated field. And the good news is that we need not wait for Ada Lovelace Day (this year is will be celebrated on 8 Oct 2019) to celebrate women's achievements in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

In a statement to Lusa, Fátima Vieira, vice-rector of the University of Porto for Culture and Museums affirmed that this exhibit intends to display "the life stories of 12 women, who have stood out in sciences, health and arts as of the end of the 19th century".

"Our goal is that this can be a moment of reflection. We take in as the Casa Comum motto the fact that this university has the ability to transform the city and we wish to bring the audience to the Academia", Professor Fátima Vieira enhanced.

Among the women to be honoured are the gynaecologist doctor Adelaide Cabete (1867-1935), Carolina Beatriz Ângelo (1878-1911), the first woman to vote in Portugal, and Leopoldina Ferreira Paulo, the first to earn a PhD at UP.

"It is the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new era", Fátima Vieira enthused, referring to the highlight moment of the Great Hall of the Rectory having the portrait of a woman, currently filled with portraits of men.

This cycle also comprises round-tables, informal talks, conferences, cinema cycles and book launches. All activities will be held at the Casa Comum in the Rectory of the UP.

See here for further information.