Category Archives: Women in Astronomy

Dr Sian Proctor – Space to Inspire

Posted on by November 14, 2024
Just out of the blue an opportunity dropped in my lap
The chapel auditorium was packed
No fanfare on arrival
there she was, hoping her presentation could be projected
on the large ‘clever touch’ device
right before my eyes…
(Steve Sherman was setting up for
The Living Maths Space Tour)
Her hair was topped as if with snow
and every move, sparkles caught the glow
a little girl approached, poster in hand,
and out of the women’s pocket
was gifted with who knows?
maybe a patch of a rocket?
The day before 800 girls were honoured by her presence
and there have and will be many more
“You have to be a lifelong learner,
Learn something new for yourself everyday
Each one of us has their own unique space to inspire”
the women said
She had seen for herself, the Earth is round
the stars of Orion were so clear
in the blackness of space
while earthlight caressed her face
I am Dr Sian Proctor, she said.
Somerset West  South  Africa 2024.08.08

Be a woman

Posted on by January 27, 2020

Women in Astronomy. Yes the playing field is far from 50/50 and much needs to be done to encourage young girls to pursue careers in Astronomy with equal opportunities for all.

I am aware of the world-wide movement to better the situation of every women in Astronomy, be it professional or amateur.

In the same vein we must not push aside or step on our male collegues and friends. Come to think of it, males outnumber females in all my astronomy circles. I have not given that much thought. In my quest to learn as much as I can, gender has never played a role. I have been taught, guided and inspired by amazing gentlemen and women. Should I be keeping statistics, how many men, how many women?

There are reports of women being harrassed and yes the issue needs to be addressed urgently.

I have never been harassed, bullied or shoved aside by men. I have never felt intimidated and so I have to thank all the men for putting up with me, for all the ecouragement and inspiration and especially for the time they have spent to teach me well. Maybe I’ve just been lucky. Maybe it’s much harsher in the professional world.

Were should woman start? Be a woman. Be beautiful. Be focused. Be professional. Be kind. Be sympathetic. Be nurturing. Be determined but never evil.