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In 2014, Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani received the prestigious Fields Prize, the highest honor in mathematics, and the first time in its 70 years that a woman has won it. For centuries, the achievements of women in mathematics were either omitted from historical records or attributed to male colleagues. Many of their contributions were later credited to male scholars. Such erasure has been a recurring theme in the history of women in this field.

Despite the many obstacles women faced in entering the field of mathematics, Sophie Germain stood out as a great female mathematician. Largely self-taught, she pursued her passion in a time when women were discouraged from academic pursuits. She made significant contributions to number theory and elasticity, and her work on Fermat’s Last Theorem was particularly notable. In recognition of her groundbreaking efforts, she became the first woman to win a prize from the Paris Academy of Sciences in 1816 — an award originally proposed back in 1716. This long-standing prize had never before been awarded to a woman, highlighting the importance of Germain’s achievements and marking a turning point in the acknowledgment of women in science.

Maria Agnesi, an 18th-century Italian mathematician, was one of the first women to write a comprehensive mathematics textbook. Her work, the Instituzioni Analitiche, was highly praised and became an important reference in the study of calculus. Despite her original contributions, one of the mathematical curves she described — the "Witch of Agnesi" — was mistranslated from Italian, giving it a mystical name that misrepresented her intent. Moreover, over time, credit for aspects of her work was sometimes attributed to male mathematicians who built upon her ideas. This reflects a broader pattern in history where women’s intellectual achievements were overlooked or reassigned to men.

Millicent Fawcett demonstrated remarkable intellectual ability from a young age. At just 19, she delivered a public lecture on Sir Isaac Newton at a time when women rarely spoke in academic settings. Although she did not pursue a professional career in mathematics, her early accomplishments in the subject reflected a sharp analytical mind. Over the decades, Fawcett dedicated herself to advocating for women’s education and suffrage, tirelessly working to open academic and political doors for future generations. Her lifelong commitment to intellectual and social progress stands as a testament to her exceptional capabilities and enduring influence.

When female mathematicians are described as “women geniuses” or “female prodigies,” the gender label, while well-intended, often implies that excellence is rare among women. Such terms, though celebratory, can unintentionally reinforce the idea that women’s success in mathematics is unusual, rather than simply the result of talent and hard work.

To address the gender imbalance in mathematics, many universities and organizations now run outreach programs, offer scholarships specifically for women, and encourage female mentorship in STEM fields. Some universities are required to arrange places where female mathematicians can work and research. These efforts aim not to give unfair advantage, but to create equal opportunities in a domain where women have historically been underrepresented.

In efforts to level the playing field, some institutions have implemented standardized criteria for admissions or research evaluation. However, such uniform methods can sometimes ignore the diverse paths and challenges faced by individuals, particularly women balancing academic and societal expectations. A one-size-fits-all approach may not always foster true equity.