31/07/2018

(WM)² presents a new documentary about mathematics.

Female researchers from around the world are gathered at the first World Meeting for Women in Mathematics (WM)², this Tuesday, July 31, on the eve of the start of the International Congress of Mathematicians, ICM 2018, which takes place at Riocentro until August 9.

At the opening ceremony of (WM)², a satellite event of ICM 2018, the documentary “Journeys of women in mathematics” was screened for the first time, showcasing the experiences of three women as researchers and professors in different countries. The film depicts the journey, with its achievements and challenges, of Brazilian Carolina Araujo, Indian Neela Nataraj, and Cameroonian Aminatou Pecha.

“This first world meeting will help bring more women into mathematics. It is not uncommon to see mathematics congresses where all the organizers and spokespeople are men. Without the participation of women, we are losing brains that could contribute to mathematics,” said Carolina, the only woman among the 47 researchers at the Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA).

Aminatou Pecha spoke about her experience as the only female mathematics professor at the University of Maroua in Cameroon. “My dream is to see more women mathematicians, to encourage young women. That they think: 'if she could do it, why can't I?'” the professor says in the documentary. Indian mathematician Neela Nataraj mentioned the challenge of balancing motherhood and academia. “The experience made me stronger,” she stated.

The three protagonists were in the audience and moved the master of ceremonies at the opening of (WM)², Marie-Françoise Roy, coordinator of the Committee for Women in Mathematics of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), based in Germany. The film is a partnership between the Committee and the Simons Foundation.

In his speech, the Director-General of IMPA, Marcelo Viana, president of ICM 2018, celebrated the fact that 35% of the 630 scholarships distributed for the mathematicians' meeting were awarded to women. Among the 2,000 applicants for financial support, 31% were women. "The discussion about women's participation has gained importance worldwide. At ICM 2018, we wanted to take into account gender diversity, as well as geographic and age diversity," stated Viana.