A letter from 35 female scientists emerged in the media stating that global health crisis responses in the scientific environment have displayed sexism and gender discrimination. The authors represented scientists from North America and Europe who are working on Covid-19 both through research and the translation of research to clinical responses, policy and public communication. On the scientific frontline, female scientists are working hard, often left to do daunting, operational, teaching or support work while men are writing papers and applying for grants leaving more research footprints and furthering their careers.
Even though epidemiology and medical science are not male dominated fields, female academics are rarely quoted by mainstream media outlets and sometimes silenced in the media by non-expert males.
Female scientists took this opportunity to examine discriminative and exclusive working environments. While we are all doing our best to fight Covid-19, women in academia are simultaneously facing a second battle against the patriarchy.
