This week we discuss the disturbingly frequent occurrence of men taking credit for women’s academic, scientific, and entrepreneurial work. It’s so common, in fact, that the phenomenon has a name : The Matilda Effect. Join us as we explore this topic and look at some of the notable women who have had their work stolen. Let’s give credit back to these amazing inventors and creators.
Show Notes
Key Topics:
Chapters:
00:00 Trolls and Feedback: Embracing Criticism
00:12 The Matilda Effect: Women in Science
04:47 Introduction to the Podcast Theme
04:58 Introduction and Light Banter
05:08 Historical Context and Examples of the Matilda Effect
07:56 The Matilda Effect and Historical Erasure
10:01 Women in Science: Unrecognized Contributions
12:50 The Legacy of Muleva Maric
15:41 Hollywood's Role in Highlighting Women's Contributions
17:19 Hedy Lamarr: Beauty and Brilliance
20:29 The Underappreciation of Women in History
23:04 The Impact of Role Models on Women in STEM
25:46 Artistic Contributions of Women: Artemisia Gentileschi
28:17 The Struggles of Female Artists and Writers
31:10 The Fight for Recognition and Credit
34:08 The Legacy of Women in Arts and Literature
44:36 Introduction and Context of the Conversation
44:51 The Impact of Social Media and Audience Engagement
47:27 Celebrating Women in Journalism: Nellie Bly
50:24 Athletic Achievements and Gender Inequality: Allison Felix
52:14 Historical Erasure and the Matilda Effect
55:06 The Role of Men in Feminism and Acknowledgment of Contributions
References:
Abrahams, Harold Maurice. “Allyson Felix | Medals, Olympics, Biography, Nike, & Facts.” Britannica, 10 January 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Allyson-Felix. Accessed 9 February 2026.
Cobb, Mathew, and Nathaniel Comfort. “What Rosalind Franklin Truly Contributed to the Discovery of DNA's Structure.” Nature, Springer Nature, 25 4 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01313-5.
Gage, Matilda Joslyn. “Woman as an Inventor.” Ester Lianawati, Northern University of Iowa, 17 October 2019, https://esterlianawati.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/woman-as-inventor.pdf. Accessed 31 January 2026.
Gage, Matilda Joslyn. “Woman as Inventor.” Collection Development Department, New York, Harvard Library, 1870, Persistent Link https://nrs.lib.harvard.edu/urn-3:fhcl:453551 Description Gage, Matilda Joslyn. Woman as inventor. [New York State?: s.n.], 1870. Repository Collection Development Department. Widener Library. HCL Institution Harvard University Accessed 01 .
Gagnon, Pauline. “The Forgotten Life of Einstein’s First Wife, Mileva Marić.” Scientific American, 19 December 2016, https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/guest-blog/the-forgotten-life-of-einsteins-first-wife/. Accessed 1 February 2026.
Kaplan, Judith. “Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, and Maurice Wilkins.” Science History Institute, 8 September 2025, https://www.sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/francis-crick-rosalind-franklin-james-watson-and-maurice-wilkins/. Accessed 31 January 2026.
Krichbaum, Emily. “Alice Ball.” National Women's History Museum, https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/alice-ball.
Kuiper, Kathleen, and Jennifer Birkett. “Colette | French Writer & Feminist Icon.” Britannica, 24 January 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Colette. Accessed 10 February 2026.
Lamm, Lisa. “The Matilda Effect: How Women Are Becoming Invisible in Science.” Lost Women of Science, 10 February 2023, https://www.lostwomenofscience.org/news-events/the-matilda-effect-how-women-are-becoming-invisible-in-science. Accessed 31 January 2026.
Lee, Jane J. “6 Women Scientists Who Were Snubbed Due to Sexism.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 19 May 2013.
Light, Jennifer S. “The Role of Women in Early Computing: Pioneers Who Shaped the Digital Age.” pcfly.info, Technology and Culture, https://pcfly.info/doc/Computers/18.pdf.
“Matilda effect.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_effect. Accessed 31 January 2026.
“Nellie Bly | Biography & Around the World in Seventy-two Days.” Britannica, 23 January 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nellie-Bly. Accessed 9 February 2026.
Stevens, Nettie. “Nettie Stevens.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettie_Stevens. Accessed 31 January 2026.
Tsaleza, Anastasia. “Women Artists' Works Misattributed to Men.” DailyArt Magazine, 29 December 2025, https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/women-artists-works-misattributed/. Accessed 10 February 2026.
Contact Information: Find Murder of Crones on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram.
Email : mofcrones@gmail.com
Special Thanks to www.dinnissendesign.com for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC.
