"برای بیشتر تاریخ، ناشناس یک زن بود"

For a long time in history, women's contributions have often been overlooked or misattributed. This powerful statement is attributed to Virginia Woolf—a well-known writer and feminist. It poignantly reminds us that many achievements throughout history were made by women who remained unacknowledged.

Historically, this makes perfect sense. Society has, for centuries, been predominantly patriarchal. Men were the ones in the spotlight, recognized and celebrated. Women, however, were frequently relegated to the background, expected to be mere supporters. When women did contribute, their work was often credited to men, or they wrote under male pseudonyms to have a chance at being published. Think about the Brontë sisters: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. They published their early works under the pen names Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, respectively. They knew that their writing would be taken more seriously if readers thought they were men. It’s a bit mind-boggling, isn’t it?

Imagine this: You’re at a museum, looking at a beautiful piece of artwork. It’s signed, but the name is unfamiliar. Later, you find out that the artist was actually a woman who couldn’t sign her name because she wouldn’t have been taken seriously. Frustrating, right? This is the kind of scenario that was all too common.

Let's bring this closer to home. Picture a woman in the 1950s who is a brilliant scientist. She comes up with groundbreaking theories but works under a male colleague who presents the work as his own. She doesn’t get the credit or the accolades. Fast forward to today, and someone uncovers her journals, discovering that she was the true mastermind. This sort of thing has happened more often than we’d like to admit.

Now, what can we do with this knowledge? First, acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of women, both past and present. Recognize the biases that still exist. When you’re reading history or learning about significant achievements, question who might be missing from the narrative. Seek out the stories of women who have been overlooked. It’s also vital to support and uplift the women around you—encourage their endeavors, and make sure they get the recognition they deserve. Simple things like giving credit where it’s due and amplifying women’s voices can make a big difference.

Think of a woman today who is making waves in her field. Could be a scientist, an artist, an entrepreneur, or an activist. Imagine she’s at a conference, presenting her groundbreaking work. The audience listens intently, but there’s a slight hesitation in the room. Some people still find it hard to believe that a woman could achieve such things. But she stands tall, confident, and knowledgeable. She finishes her presentation to thunderous applause. People start to realize that their preconceived notions were wrong. That woman just made history, and she did it under her own name.

By recognizing and valuing the contributions of women—past and present—we can ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself. We can move towards a future where everyone’s achievements are celebrated, regardless of gender. So next time you learn about a great achievement, think about the women who might have been behind the scenes. It’s time to bring their stories to light.