Re-Feminist History (aka Bitchstory)

  Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod The latest episode is here: T he Librarian and the Astrophysicist In last week’s blog I covered the first black librarian, Belle Da Costa Greene, From Lorrie Zimmer’s book “ I’m Not Your Muse” . This week I’m providing a summary about an astrophysicist whose story we found in Karen Wang Diggs’ book “ Awesome Asian women ”.  Dr. Mazlan Othman is a pioneering Malaysian astrophysicist renowned for her groundbreaking work in space science and her role in elevating Malaysia’s presence in the international scientific community. Born in 1951 in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, she pursued her passion for astronomy at the University of Otago in New Zealand, where she became the first Malaysian woman to earn a PhD in physics. Dr. Mazlan’s career has been marked by a series of firsts. She played a central role in developing Malaysia’s space program, including overseeing the training and successful launch of the country’s first astronaut, Sheikh Musza...

Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod The latest episode is here:  T he Librarian and the Astrophysicist This week we are highlighting a couple of badass ladies that we plucked out of the 2 books that came to our attention via listeners or followers of the pod - the first black librarian Belle da Costa Greene came from Lori's book, and from Karen's book, astrophysicist Dr. Mazlan Othman ! Lori's book arrived in our mail from her publicist, and it is great. The art is lovely. The pages are glossy.  It's a beautiful book.  Karen's book came to my attention in the comments on Bitchstory's instagram.  Her username caught my eye and I clicked on her and then we lickity split purchased her book.  If you're a teacher or you're into women's history, I highly recommend either of these books! Are teachers still allowed to teach about women? Probably not. But buy it anyway because someday shit will get back to normal!  Belle da Costa Greene was a young woma...

  Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod Email us at “heybitches@bitchstory.net” The latest episode is here:  The Edinburgh Seven Sophia Jex-Blake was a pioneering figure in the history of medicine and women's education. Born on January 21, 1840, in Hastings, Sussex, she came from a prestigious family and was well-educated for her time. Her career trajectory and personal life are marked by both her dedication to advancing women's rights and her contributions to medical education. Sophia Jex-Blake initially pursued a career in teaching but later became inspired to enter the medical field after a stint in the United States. There, she witnessed co-educational institutions, which profoundly influenced her perception of women's potential in medicine  In 1869, Sophia published her influential essay, "Medicine as a Profession for Women," advocating for women's participation in the medical field  This same year, she applied to study medicine at the University of Ed...

Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod Email us at “heybitches@bitchstory.net” The latest episode is here: The Edinburgh Seven On November 18, 1870, a group of young women in Edinburgh, Scotland were pelted with garbage, mud, insults, and threats as they tried to enter a University building to take a test.  Their crimes? They were women, attempting to attend medical school.  They were called, among other things, whores.  Because why else would women want to become doctors than to fulfill some "base desires"? Did anyone question the men in this regard? Of course not. A man becoming a doctor is a high calling.  And why would anyone, let alone vulnerable women, want to see a doctor that was anything other than a big, strong man?  Absurd, isn't it? And yet, that's exactly what happened.  This group of women became known as "The Edinburgh Seven".  There were more than 7, those were just the ones who were the most vocal and "brazen".  Some of the 7 gra...