Ene Ergma: women should be more tough and demanding, we should value ourselves more

Estonian women scientists face subtle discrimination, according to a recent study by Tartu University. The research examined the careers of women in science within post-communist countries, revealing factors that impede their advancement. Astrophysicist Ene Ergma, the first female member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, has long studied this issue, initially believing that narratives of gender discrimination in science were overstated.

Ergma, who earned a PhD in physics and mathematics at age 40, previously held the view that intellect was equal between men and women. However, the Enwise study highlighted specific barriers preventing women from progressing as rapidly as their male counterparts. While Ergma personally did not perceive overt discrimination, she acknowledged the existence of systemic factors influencing career trajectories for women in science.

Ene Ergma has been studying the issue of gender discrimination 20 years ago.

Topics: #women #ene #ergma