“Cultural April” highlights women’s contributions to science and culture

7th May 2025 – April ended with the event “Cultural April: Hidden Women, Visible Legacies“. This ICIQ’s initiative to celebrate Sant Jordi, brought together around twenty participants for a reflection on the visibility of women in science and cultural narratives.

The event opened with a guided tour of the travelling exhibition “(In)visibles i (O)cultes”, led by curator Mireia Alcaine from the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona (Natural Science Museum of Barcelona). The exhibition, currently on tour, sheds light on the historical and ongoing exclusion of women from scientific recognition, while also showcasing their achievements in science. It aims to challenge the traditional narrative by presenting women scientists not as exceptions, but as integral contributors across disciplines.

At the start of the visit, Mireia Alcaine remarked: “Throughout history, we have been led to believe that women treated each other poorly, but there is evidence of sorority and women’s networks since ancient times.”

The event continued with a talk by Dr. Ana López Navajas, coordinator of the Women’s Legacy project. Originating from the observation that female figures are largely absent from school textbooks, the initiative also addresses gaps in university education and research, aiming to integrate women’s contributions into the broader cultural and scientific canon. The project develops tools and educational materials to integrate the cultural and scientific contributions of women into educational curricula across Europe. It offers a comprehensive database and didactic proposals that aim to create a more inclusive and representative educational framework.

“Women must be included in science education from an early age, both at home and in schools, presenting science as part of culture.” pointed Dr. Ana López Navajas, emphasising the need to act from the earliest stages.