Today, March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD), a day for celebrating and commemorating the social, economic, cultural, scientific and political achievements of women. This is a global event and many schools and colleges will be highlighting the contribution made by women, including in the field of scientific endeavour and business.

Celebrating women in science. International women's day.
A collection of women scientists part of a poster montage spotted during a school visit. Celebrating International Women’s Day. Female scientists providing role models for the next generation. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

International Women’s Day

Since the blog started, we have covered some remarkable stories that celebrate the contribution made to Earth Sciences by the next generation of academics and young scientists. We have also taken the opportunity to highlight the contribution to palaeontology and geology made by women who lived in less enlightened times.

For example, over the last few years we have followed the campaign to honour the pioneering early palaeontologist Mary Anning. Inspired by Evie Swire who wanted greater recognition in Lyme Regis of Mary Anning’s contribution to the Earth Sciences, a successful fund raising effort led to the erection of a statue of Mary Anning on the sea front.

Mary Anning Statue Unveiled
A close-view of the statue of Mary Anning which was created by leading artist and sculptress Denise Dutton. Mary is holding an ammonite fossil in her left hand. Picture credit: Mary Anning Rocks.

Picture credit: Mary Anning Rocks

Designed by sculptor Denise Dutton, the bronze figure was unveiled in May 2022.

To read about the statue unveiling ceremony: Mary Anning Statue Unveiled in Lyme Regis.

Everything Dinosaur team members were honoured to have played a small part in helping to support this campaign.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.