Physicists are calling for greater recognition of the pivotal roles women played in shaping quantum mechanics, a field often dominated by male figures in popular narratives. The call to action comes as a new book, "Women in the History of Quantum Physics: Beyond Knabenphysik," edited by Patrick Charbonneau et al. and published by Cambridge University Press in 2025, aims to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of women to this complex scientific domain.

For many women in science, the struggle for recognition is compounded by gender bias, unequal opportunities, and societal pressures. Experiences such as having their ideas dismissed until repeated by male colleagues, facing gendered divisions of labor, and navigating pay gaps are, unfortunately, common, according to numerous studies and anecdotal evidence. The pressure to choose between career and family also presents a significant hurdle for many women in STEM fields globally.

One such example is Williamina Fleming, a Scottish astronomer who immigrated to Massachusetts in 1878. Abandoned by her husband and left to raise a child alone, she found work as a housekeeper for Edward Pickering, the director of Harvard College Observatory. Her keen intellect and dedication led her to become a skilled astronomical observer, making significant contributions to the classification of stars.

Chien-Shiung Wu, another notable figure, experimentally confirmed quantum entanglement, a cornerstone of quantum mechanics. Despite her groundbreaking work, Wu often faced challenges in gaining the recognition she deserved in a male-dominated field.

The underrepresentation of women in physics is a global issue, affecting women from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Prejudices based on gender, race, and class further exacerbate these challenges, creating barriers to entry and advancement in the field. Overcoming these obstacles requires a concerted effort to address systemic biases and create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in science.