Women in Science: Between Passion, Challenges and Innovation

February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science – an important occasion not only to celebrate the achievements of female scientists, but also to draw attention to the challenges they often face.

Maïté B., aspiring doctor and scientist, spoke openly about her experiences in an interview with MAVIG.

Maïté B., aspiring doctor and scientist

She was enthusiastic about science from an early age. Math, biology and physics came easily to her, and her fascination with the logic behind the numbers and how the human body works eventually led her to medicine. What Maïté particularly appreciates about her profession is that it combines research and practical application – constantly absorbing new knowledge on the one hand and being able to help patients directly on the other. “When you have a patient in front of you for the first time, it’s like detective work – taking the right steps to make a diagnosis and find the right treatment,” she says.

Work as a doctoral student 

However, the path into science is often associated with additional challenges for women. One of these is perception: “As a young woman, you are often not recognized as a doctor by patients, but are mistaken for a nurse, for example – even when wearing a coat. Male colleagues, on the other hand, can simply walk around in a tunic, without a coat, and be recognized as medical staff,” Maïté says.

But it’s not just stereotypes that accompany women in their everyday working lives. Maïté reports direct experience of sexual harassment during her studies. The incident was particularly serious because the person in question was in a position of power – someone who was supposed to be teaching her. The consequences were not only psychological pressure, but also a disadvantage in her studies, as she deliberately avoided contact with this person. Such experiences are not unique and show how deeply rooted structural problems are.

Maïté worked at the Munich Vaccination Center and was working on her doctoral thesis during the break

There are also everyday challenges: misogynistic jokes, underlying prejudices or the feeling of having to prove yourself again and again. “You often have to be much more confident and think carefully about how you are perceived,” she says. Nevertheless, she is not giving up her passion for medicine. She loves working in a team with colleagues, doing research and learning new things.

Completed clinical traineeship with Dr. Haus, pediatrician and chair of PaedNetz Munich and deputy chair of BVKJ LV Bayern

Innovation as the Key to Progress and Equal Opportunities

Science thrives on diversity – and on people who are not discouraged. At MAVIG and Vivascope, this is exactly where we come in: With our innovations in radiation protection, medical carrier systems and confocal microscopy, we create a working environment that helps female doctors and scientists to work safely and efficiently. New technologies not only enable better diagnostics and treatment, but also help professionals – regardless of gender – to focus on what really matters: providing the best possible care for patients.

Completed studies – graduation ceremony

Maïté B. is an example of many women in science who go their own way despite obstacles. Her courage to speak openly about these issues is an important step towards initiating change. Because we can only drive progress forward with open and equitable science.

MAVIG would like to thank Maite B. for the detailed and open interview!

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