Women of Mathematics Exhibition Opens in Bengaluru, Highlights Global Gender Gap in STEM
January 21, 2026
The 'Women of Mathematics From Around the World' exhibition has arrived at the Science Gallery Bengaluru, showcasing portraits of 20 female mathematicians from countries like Ukraine, Congo, India, and Japan. Each woman is pictured against blackboards filled with complex equations, symbolizing their passion and expertise.
Ukrainian mathematician Irina Kmit, now a professor at Humboldt University in Berlin, describes mathematics as a "language without borders," saying, "Solving mathematical problems gave me a unique sensation of freedom that did not depend on what happened around me."
The exhibition reveals the ongoing gender gap in STEM fields. India leads with a world record 40% female enrollment in STEM as of 2024, but only 16.7% of STEM faculty are women, according to a Nature paper. The exhibition aims to address what it calls a "shamefully large" disparity and encourage women to consider math careers.
Indian mathematician Neela Nataraj of IIT Bombay shared her journey overcoming family expectations and fears of mathematics. She said, "It totally depends on you whether you choose to view obstacles as challenges to overcome or as debilitating deterrents."
Japanese professor Yukari Ito started a "women's lunch" to build community amid limited networking chances. She said, "I’m happy when I discover new things," adding that seeing student growth brings her joy.
Cornelie Mitcha Malanda from Congo calls math an "addiction" that fills her with joy like "a child ... who saw chocolate for the first time." She urges young women to "trust yourself" despite challenges.
Curator Sylvie Paycha said women in mathematics and theoretical physics remain scarce and hopes the exhibition encourages more young women to embrace these fields. The exhibition is open to the public in Bengaluru until March 15. Organizers hope it will make mathematics more approachable and visible through the stories of these inspiring women.
The panel and organizers emphasize that math is created by people, not just abstract ideas, highlighting the importance of role models in bridging gender gaps in the sciences.
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Tags:
Women In Stem
Mathematics
Gender gap
Women Of Mathematics Exhibition
Stem education
Female Mathematicians
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