The 33%: Q&A with Eugenia Cheng
Research from The United Nations for the 2023 International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS)reveals that women represent 33.3% of all researchers.
In support of IDWGIS 2023, we are highlighting a selection of our female authors and editors in the hope that more women and girls will be inspired to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Dr. Eugenia Cheng is world-renowned as both a researcher in category theory and an expositor of mathematics. She has written several popular mathematics books including How to Bake Pi (2015), and The Art of Logic in an Illogical World (2017). Cheng is passionate about bringing mathematics to a wide audience. Her most recent title, The Joy of Abstraction demystifies mathematical thought processes for those with no formal mathematical background.
How did you get into science?
Eugenia Cheng: My mother has a mathematical and scientific background, and she showed me fun things about maths throughout my childhood, starting from when I was very small. She also explained how to use logic properly to build strong arguments. Thanks to her influence, I grew up experiencing maths as something fun, and something that would give me a deeper understanding without me having to memorise facts or believe authority figures.
What’s it like to be a woman in STEM?
Eugenia Cheng: I consider maths to be an amazing strength for a woman to have in a society that still wants to belittle and erase us. Being a mathematician gives me enormous self-worth and makes me undaunted, as I am convinced that I can understand anything if I try. It also gives me great confidence in interacting with people, because I know that most people think being a mathematician is a huge achievement and they will respect me for it. However, it also means that other people can be put off by what I do, especially men who are not used to strong women who are better than them at something they consider to be a male domain. Unfortunately, plenty of men do think that. They are not put off by women being good at knitting.
Can you provide one sentence that gives advice to researchers starting their careers in STEM?
Eugenia Cheng: Remember that if you think you’re not good enough, you might actually be better than the people who are convinced they are great.
I consider maths to be an amazing strength for a woman to have in a society that still wants to belittle and erase us
Dr. Eugenia Cheng
Eugenia Cheng’s new book, The Joy of Abstraction, takes a journey through the world of abstract mathematics and category theory demystifying mathematical thought processes. With no formal mathematical background needed, the book brings abstract mathematical ideas down to earth using examples of social justice, current events, and everyday life – from privilege to COVID-19 to driving routes. Find out more here.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
This week we celebrate the eighth International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11). Beyond fostering a balanced and fair environment for our aspiring women and girls, why is it so vital that we foster gender equality and equity in science?
This year, the United Nations, which hosts the annual event, contemplates another dimension to articulating meaningful change in STEM industries. Their goals for 2030 provide inspirational agenda that encourages sustainable and equitable development across five key areas:
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Industries, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Sustainable and Inclusive Communities and Cities
- Revitalize the Partnerships for the goals
‘Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’
United Nations
Want to read more from our inspirational female authors?
Access our Free Read Collection here including sample book chapters and journal articles, and help us celebrate IDWGIS the best way we know how by reading!