Women in Science

Panorama

Jaqueline Goes de Jesus - Brazilian biomedical scientist responsible for coordinating the team that carried out the sequencing of the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus

The percentage of women in science has varied over time and still faces challenges in many areas. Progress has been made in increasing women's participation in science, but gender disparities persist in some fields. It is important to note that statistics may vary across different scientific disciplines and regions of the world. Furthermore, this information may change over time due to initiatives to promote gender equality in science. 

Over the years, academic institutions, research organizations, and governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of promoting gender diversity in science by implementing policies and programs to support women in their scientific careers. Awareness of these issues is growing, and the hope is that there will be a continued increase in the representation and recognition of women in science.

Women in Clinical Research Women's participation in clinical research has a complex history and has undergone significant changes over time. Before the 1980s, women were often excluded from clinical trials, largely due to concerns about the potential toxicity of medications in pregnant or childbearing women. However, the systematic exclusion of women from clinical trials began to be questioned, especially after the tragedy related to the drug thalidomide in the 1960s. Thalidomide, initially marketed as a sedative, caused birth defects in babies whose mothers used it during pregnancy. This event highlighted the importance of including women in clinical trials to better understand the effects of medications on different demographic groups. In the 1980s and 1990s, significant changes occurred in clinical research policies, both in the United States and other countries.

The guidelines now recommend the inclusion of women in clinical trials, although challenges remain in ensuring equitable representation. Currently, policies and regulations in clinical research generally emphasize the importance of including women, but challenges remain in ensuring equitable representation at all research stages and for different groups of women, including those from different ethnicities and socioeconomic groups. Continued awareness of these issues is critical to promoting gender equality in clinical research and ensuring that results apply to a wide range of patients. There are still challenges to gender equality in science, and continued efforts are needed to ensure fair representation and recognition of women in this field. 

Women in Oncology

The representation of female doctors has grown over the years, but persistent challenges may still exist regarding gender equity in certain aspects of the profession. The increase in female participation in medicine is a global trend, and LATAM countries are no exception. They play important roles in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to significant advances in cancer treatment, research, and patient care. However, disparities may exist in leadership roles, research opportunities, and compensation between male and female physicians. The pursuit of gender equality in medicine, including oncology, involves raising awareness of these issues and implementing policies and practices that promote a more inclusive work environment. 

It is important to note that specific statistics may vary and may be influenced by factors such as the geographic region, type of healthcare institution, and other variables. Promoting equal opportunities and valuing the contributions of women in oncology and other medical specialties are essential aspects of creating a more equitable environment in the healthcare sector in LATAM. 

Dr. Clarissa Mathias was the first Brazilian woman to receive recognition from ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) dedicated to global specialists.

In oncology, we have brilliant representatives in LATAM, who are increasingly recognized on the world stage. 

Dr. Clarissa Mathias was the first Brazilian woman to receive recognition from ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) dedicated to global specialists.

Another highlight, Dr. Angelica Nogueira, participated in the founding of the Brazilian Group of Gynecological Tumors (Grupo EVA), of which she is president, to organize efforts for teaching, research, and support for patients with gynecological cancer in Brazil and created the Brazil Movement without Cervical Cancer, supported by PAHO/WHO. 

Conclusion

Dr. Angelica Nogueira, participated in the founding of the Brazilian Group of Gynecological Tumors (Grupo EVA), and created the Brazil Movement without Cervical Cancer, supported by PAHO/WHO.

In conclusion, the representation of women in science has evolved over time, yet challenges persist in achieving gender equity. Efforts to promote gender diversity in these fields have led to increased awareness and policy changes, but there is still work to be done to ensure fair representation and recognition.

Women continue to play vital roles in advancing research, patient care, and innovation, but disparities in leadership positions and opportunities remain. Continued awareness, advocacy, and concrete actions are necessary to address these inequalities and create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in this field.

Some notable women in the history of science include: 

Marie Curie (1867-1934): Polish-French physicist and chemist, Curie was the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes in different scientific fields (Physics in 1903 and Chemistry in 1911). 

Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958): English biophysicist and crystallographer, Franklin made crucial contributions to understanding the structure of DNA. 

Barbara McClintock (1902-1992): An American geneticist, McClintock received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1983 for her discoveries about mobile genetic elements. 

Jaqueline Goes de Jesus (1989-): Brazilian biomedical scientist responsible for coordinating the team that carried out the sequencing of the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, just 48 hours after the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in Brazil. 

These are just a few examples, and many other talented and inspiring women have made and continue to make significant contributions to science in a variety of areas.