Your Story

On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of Women at the University of Vienna, light is shed on female pioneers and scientists. These extraordinary individuals managed to break barriers and take their rightful place – against all odds and resistance. They opened the door for many others. It was the constant stream of women following in their footsteps and making the exception the rule that finally changed the system. Thus, the women following these pioneers are just as important to this development.

Not only those first famous female scientists are pioneers. There have been and still are many other women who are the first in their family or their environment to go to university. They are pioneers as well! All their stories combined make a colourful and diverse whole.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors were invited to share their stories with us:

• Who is the first woman in their family to go to university? When was that?
• How did the other family members react?
• How was her experience with studying at the University (of Vienna)?
• Did somebody make disapproving or joking comments about it?
• Was she able to work with her degree?
• What did studying mean to her personally?

Or maybe they themselves are the first person in their family to study?

• Are/were there circumstances for them that made studying easier or harder? If yes, what are/were they?
• Have they experienced or witnessed discrimination at the University (of Vienna)?

The submitted stories are published digitally here on the website. That way, the less famous women can also have their place in history.