Each year on May 12, the global mathematical community celebrates International Women in Mathematics Day, a moment to recognise the achievements of women in the field and to encourage more girls to explore the beauty of mathematics. The date is not accidental, it marks the birthday of Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman ever to win the prestigious Fields Medal, often described as the highest honour in mathematics.
Mirzakhani’s story is especially powerful because her path into mathematics was not immediate. As a younger student, she was more interested in reading and storytelling than in mathematics. What changed her direction was the influence of an inspiring teacher and the experience of engaging with challenging problems. Through problem-solving, she began to see mathematics not as a set of rules, but as a creative and beautiful discipline. Her curiosity grew so much that she later asked for extra problem-solving sessions at school.
Her journey reminds us that mathematical talent is not always obvious from the start. Many able, creative girls who excel in storytelling, writing, art or other imaginative subjects may not immediately recognise that mathematics is also a deeply creative discipline. It is a subject in which they can explore ideas, make connections, think originally and truly excel. Interest and confidence can develop through encouragement, opportunity and patient exploration. Mirzakhani herself once said, “The beauty of mathematics only shows itself to more patient followers.”
At 1729 Maths School, we aim to create the kind of environment that can spark this change. Like the teacher who helped Mirzakhani discover the beauty of problem-solving, we teach mathematics as a creative, exploratory discipline built around discussion, discovery and original thinking.
International Women in Mathematics Day is therefore not only a celebration of pioneers like Maryam Mirzakhani. It is also a reminder of the role that inspiring teaching, meaningful challenge and supportive learning environments can play in helping the next generation of girls see mathematics in a new way.
What is International Women in Mathematics Day?
International Women in Mathematics Day, celebrated annually on May 12, was established to honour the incredible contributions of women in the field of mathematics. This date was chosen to commemorate the birth of Maryam Mirzakhani, a mathematician who made history as the first woman to ever receive the Fields Medal, the highest award in mathematics. The day serves not only as a tribute to her extraordinary achievements but also as a reminder of the importance of encouraging and supporting women and girls to pursue careers in mathematics.
The recognition of women in mathematics is vital, as women have often faced barriers to entry in fields traditionally dominated by men. By spotlighting the achievements of pioneers like Mirzakhani, we inspire future generations to continue breaking down these barriers, demonstrating that anyone, regardless of gender, can excel in the world of mathematics.
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