Pioneers and Inspirers

The possibility for women to acquire technical skills and academic qualifications has been closely followed by their desire to integrate into professional and scientific societies. Predictably, this did not come without its challenges. In England, concerning the Chemical Society, this only became possible from 1920 onwards, after a 40-year struggle. Among the initial members was Martha Whiteley, who became the first lecturer at Imperial College in 1914. She distinguished herself in various ways, including her efforts to promote equal professional opportunities for women.