From weaving to medicine to math, these badass scientists left their mark on history, despite the patriarchal obstacles in their path
In ancient China, it was not easy for women to obtain access to education. Even for those who could read and write, traditionally, they mostly read books that taught them how to be a qualified wife or mother, or studied literature as a way of molding their temperament. However, many women still strived to study science and made incredible achievements. These female scientists never received the same recognition as their male counterparts: there are very few detailed records of their achievements; some couldn’t publish their own works; and historical texts documented some women as merely their husbands’ wives, omitting their own names. Despite these many obstacles, their contributions are still remembered today.
Sun Jiahui is a freelance writer and former editor at The World of Chinese. She writes about Chinese language, society and culture, and is especially passionate about sharing stories of China's ancient past with a wider audience. She has been writing for TWOC for over six years, and pens the Choice Chengyu column.
