Matilda Effect Highlights Women Missing from Science History

Photo: Times of India

The Matilda Effect, named by historian Margaret W Rossiter in 1993, describes the systemic undervaluing of women scientists. For example, in 1933, Kamala Bhagvat, a top chemistry graduate, was initially rejected by CV Raman at the Indian Institute of Science due to gender bias but later admitted after protest. She went on to contribute significantly to plant biochemistry at Cambridge. This effect shows how women’s scientific contributions are often overlooked or credited to men.

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