An Initiative to Raise Awareness of Inequality and Gender Bias towards Women in Science.

The Matilda Project is an educational initiative strategically crafted to cultivate an environment that acknowledges and celebrates the often overlooked contributions of women scientists marginalized by widespread gender biases. Let’s learn the stories of these brilliant individuals and stop gender bias when we see it happen.

The term “Matilda Effect” refers to the systemic underrecognition and marginalization of “women scientists who have been ignored, denied credit or otherwise dropped from sight” (Rossiter, 1993). The term was first described by Matilda Joslyn Gage, a 19th-century American activist, suffragist, and abolitionist, in 1870 who personally experienced and articulated this phenomenon.

Over a century later, in 1993, Dr. Margaret W. Rossiter, a prominent American historian at Yale University, formally coined the term Matilda Effect to highlight the pervasive pattern of neglect women scientists have faced historically and continue to face. 

Despite its recognition in 1870 and formal naming in 1993, the Matilda Effect continues. Women in science still frequently are not given due credit for their achievements. Calling attention to this effect and this “age-old tendency may prod future scholars to include other such ‘Matilda’s’” and craft a more comprehensive and true history and sociology of science (Rossiter, 1993).

The Matilda Project is designed to tackle the issue of gender bias in science. Drawing inspiration from the story of Matilda Joslyn Gage and the scholarship and seminal work of Dr. Margaret W. Rossiter. This educational initiative aims to shine a spotlight on, recognize, and celebrate the contributions of women in science, particularly those who have been overlooked, denied credit, or otherwise marginalized. By illuminating the remarkable achievements of women scientists, we hope to foster an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment that confronts and challenges systemic gender biases. By raising awareness of inequality and gender bias against women in science, we commit to uncovering and sharing the stories of these exceptional individuals. 

Let’s uncover and learn the stories of these brilliant individuals and stop gender bias when we see it happen.

Rossiter, M. W. (1993). The Matthew Matilda Effect in science. Social Studies of Science, 23(2), 325–341. https://doi.org/10.1177/030631293023002004

About the Team

Co-Founder & Lead
Shehroze Saharan
Educational Technology Developer, Office of Teaching and Learning, University of Guelph
Master of Information in Information Systems Design
saharans@uoguelph.ca

Co-Founder & Design Lead
Shehryar (Shay) Saharan
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Master of Science Biomedical Communications & PhD Candidate
s.saharan@utoronto.ca

We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this project a reality:

Sarah Crawley, Aron Fazekas, Sara Fulmer, Auroshika Jai Ganesh, Kai Lynn Jiang, Dale Lackeyram, Christopher Laursen, Sheetal Mannan, Sandy Marshall, Kimberley Martin, Kurhula Mbetse, Gaël McGill, Fiona McGill, Sian Patterson, Alba Real, Jennifer Reniers, Brandon Sabourin, Faran Saharan, Shaan Saharan, Juno Shemano, Christie Stewart, Esther Morales Sánchez, Shelley Wall, Janet Wolstenholme, Michie Wu, Amy Zhang

Getting Involved

Are you interested in engaging with or learning more about The Matilda Project? We invite you to connect with us if you're interested in:

  • Enhance your educational offerings by integrating The Matilda Project into your curriculum, course, or lecture. This inclusion can provide a richer, more diverse perspective on scientific achievements, particularly highlighting the contributions of women scientists who have been historically overlooked.

  • Organize a workshop dedicated to The Matilda Project to engage and inform participants about the critical issues of gender bias and the underrepresentation of women in science. These sessions can serve as a platform for discussion, learning, and advocacy.

  • Join our creative team by contributing as an author or illustrator, enriching The Matilda Project's growing collection. Your work will help bring the stories of unsung women scientists to life, inspiring current and future generations.

  • We welcome partnerships and collaborations that align with our mission to promote gender equity in science. Whether you're part of an educational institution, a nonprofit, or another organization, we're open to exploring how we can work together to further our impact.

  • If you know of a woman scientist whose work deserves wider recognition, let us know. We're always looking to honour and document the achievements of women in science, ensuring their contributions are celebrated and remembered.

  • Lend your skills and time by volunteering with The Matilda Project. Whether you have expertise in research, knowledge dissemination, data analysis, illustration, or another area, your volunteer work can make a significant difference in our efforts to highlight the achievements of women in science and combat gender bias. Join us in creating a more inclusive and equitable scientific community.

Interested in getting involved or collaborating? Get in touch.