Celebrating women in science on International Women's Day

International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8th, is a global opportunity to recognise the many and varied contributions of women across all fields. It serves as an annual reminder that women have made groundbreaking discoveries and achievements in numerous areas, including science, that have shaped our world.

• One of the most iconic figures in science is Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields—physics and chemistry. Her pioneering research in radioactivity laid the foundation for advancements in cancer treatment.

• Another key figure is Rosalind Franklin, whose X-ray diffraction images were crucial in uncovering the double-helix structure of DNA. Though her contributions were underappreciated during her life, Franklin's work is now recognised as vital in the field of genetics.

• Ada Lovelace, known as the first computer programmer, worked alongside Charles Babbage on his early computing machine, foreseeing the potential for machines to perform far beyond simple calculations. Her visionary ideas paved the way for modern computing.

• In ancient Alexandria, in Egypt, Hypatia emerged as a leading philosopher and mathematician. At a time when intellectual pursuits were often reserved for men, Hypatia defied societal expectations, contributing significantly to astronomy and mathematics, and influencing generations of future scholars.

• Mary Wollstonecraft, an English writer and philosopher, and an early advocate for women's rights and education, challenged the prevailing social norms of her time with her work “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”. Her writings have had a lasting impact on feminist philosophy and continue to inspire movements for gender equality.

All these women, and many others, have left an indelible mark on science and learning, clearly illustrating that women’s contributions are critical in shaping our understanding of the world.

Celebrating inclusivity at Octapharma

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we interviewed two colleagues to explore how an inclusive environment that values unique and curious minds can inspire us all to innovate every day. Here are their personal responses:

“Each year, International Women’s Day is a time for me to reflect on the incredible achievements of women across the globe, to celebrate their contributions in all fields, and acknowledge the struggles women continue to face. It’s a day to push for real, meaningful progress toward gender equality,” says Nadezhda (Nadja) Lagoiko, Head of the Representative Office Belarus. “Personally, I am deeply inspired by my mother. As a doctor, she balanced her demanding career while raising three children and maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Her ability to manage it all has always been a guiding light for me.”

Johanna Fridheim, an International Employee Communication Specialist, considers that International Women’s Day has a wider significance. She explains, “To me, International Women’s Day is a reminder that the work to support and elevate women should never be confined to a single day. It’s about rising up together, supporting each other, and empowering other women every day”. Johanna emphasises the need for women to consistently step up, take risks and push boundaries, not just on this one day, but every day.

Empowering women: growth, confidence and support

Nadja advises young women aspiring to succeed in male-dominated industries to focus on personal growth, professionalism and hard work, rather than dwelling on discrimination. This mindset opens doors for opportunities. “I’ve been fortunate to have the guidance of my supervisor, Olga Biryukova, whose mentorship has been invaluable in my development,” explains Nadja. “Moving forward, I hope to see more leadership opportunities for women and more support for working mothers. We have made progress, but there is always more to be done.”

For Johanna, family always comes first, and finding an employer who shares that value is essential. “I’ve built close relationships with my colleagues—they become like a second family. When you understand each other’s priorities, work becomes more meaningful and supportive for everyone involved.” Johanna also emphasises the importance of continuous learning: “Always know what you’re talking about but never assume you know everything. In a room full of men, you may feel alone. But you can also feel alone in a room full of women. The difference is that the room is more often full of men. So, have your sisters’ backs!”