New book celebrates the grit and passion of women in amphibian and reptile science
"Women in Herpetology: 50 Stories from Around the World" unveils the inspiring journeys of 50 women from 50 countries and regions who have dedicated their lives to the study of amphibians and reptiles. This groundbreaking book showcases the determination, passion, and love for these creatures that drive these women while aiming to inspire future generations of women in herpetology. This book features Ninda Baptista from Museum für Naturkunde, who works as a PhD student as a representative for Angola.
The book is a compilation of captivating stories from herpetologists working in diverse fields such as conservation, biodiversity, ecotoxicology, and education. It highlights their unique challenges, including limited resources and mentorship opportunities, as well as the joys and rewards they have found through their work. The book also features stunning illustrations by seventeen talented artists from around the world.
"I accepted the invitation to be an author in the project, in part to counteract the lack of representation of my country in science, and because being an Angolan woman working in a men-dominated field comes with many challenges", so Ninda Baptista, working in the scope of the PhD about amphibians of Angola in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.
"I trust that giving voice to women in science and sharing our experience with the broader society is an important step to raise awareness and create more supportive network."
The book is led by The Global Women in Herpetology project, founded by Dr. Sinlan Poo from Taiwan, Dr. Itzue Caviedes-Solis from Mexico, and Dr. Umilaela Arifin from Indonesia. All profits from Women in Herpetology will be used to establish a scholarship for students in underrepresented regions to attend international herpetological conferences to present their research.
"We aim to give our first scholarships to students to attend the World Congress of Herpetology in 2024", says Dr. Arifin.
"We strongly believe that every voice counts and every story matters. The road has been bumpy and our careers and lives have moments of pain and challenges. But in the midst of it all, we have also found joy." says Dr. Caviedes-Solis.
Dr. Poo adds "We came together thanks to our love for amphibians and reptiles. We hope that people can flip through the pages and immerse themselves in the rich and diverse landscapes the authors are describing and the remarkable illustrations these artists have created."